Originally Posted by
BoilerUP
That's an interesting story...
When I worked at AWAC we'd seasonally do EYW-MCO in the CRJ-200; I don't remember if we were pax-restricted on that particular segment (I do remember we didn't have more than a few extra pounds of fuel to play around with) but I seem to recall it not really being a problem to take 40ish people to Orlando.
I know Eagle used to do RDU-AUS in a E135 which I've always heard was "hot rod"...I presume the E145 I saw Freedom flying EYW-MCO during that time was better on that particular route?
I believe Comair did EYW-MCO as well and would limit seats, but you would have to ask someone at Comair about that.
The E145 would actually be more restricted. EYW would always want to try for a 145 around spring break and was always told no because they would get less than 37 pax on a 145.
Eagle has done RDU-AUS and still does very long segments like LGA-XNA. CHQ has done them as well such as MCO-IND, CMH etc. The range of the aircraft wasn't the issue. It's the take off performance that is the problem. The 145 family can't deal with the 4800 ft runway.