Not happening, no matter how many times Kirby keeps saying it. The sooner he realizes it, the better off he’ll be.

CRJ-550 doesn’t solve scope... it’s just a coping measure. And it sounds desperate if you’re taking seats out and replacing them with luggage closets.

The irony is the luggage inside could actually make the 700 a decent 50 seater. Nothing like the entire jetway lined with people waiting for bags to come up, then playing chicken running the gauntlet in an attempt to make a connection. Avoiding misconnects due to miniature overheads alone could be a cost savings.

On a more cynical note, does this pay their pilots less? (some regionals paid by seat count) guessing not but unsure

It’s GoJet (TAH) so probably yes.

True, but still an expensive one.

Also highlights the problem with scope based on MTOW, rather than max payload.

Don’t forget the candy machine bolted to the wall, that’s a nice touch.

LOL. Perfect. And they will likely be slow in coming depending on the production rate at Bombardier/Airbus. If other airlines copy this (Is UAL the 1st?) then they could raise the production rate.

You know these are not new frames right? They are converting their old CRJ-700’s(still a fair amount of life on them). It is a desperate move in my opinion. From a passenger standpoint it will be about the nicest 50 seater ever. From a company standpoint, it is the most expensive 50 seater ever. UA must be flush with cash. “Let’s turn our old 70 seaters into 50 seaters so we can get more new 70 seaters(EMB-175’s).” Kirby is probably thinking if we cave on scope they can convert them back to 70 seaters. Obviously ain’t happening.

I didn't realize these were used aircraft. I agree that this makes them look even more desperate although it is probably more cost effective. Thanks for clearing that up.

You sure about that?

FWIW,

Bombardier Launches New Innovative 50-Seater Aircraft (Bombardier Press Release)