No Arguing With The Economics

Not so many years ago, the general public's image of propeller aircraft appeared to be pushing turboprops out at the regionals. Now, volatile fuel prices and slimmer operating margins have regional airlines not only committing to their existing turboprop fleets, but considering stretched versions with up to 100 seats.

Air Transport World reports Bombardier Commercial Aircraft VP Rod Williams last week told the Regional Airline Association's conference in Salt Lake City, "There's been substantial interest in a Q400X. But we're not there yet. There's not a formal product program."
 
John Moore, head of North American sales for ATR, has said building a turboprop airliner with 90 or 100 seats would require new airframe and powerplant options. "There is a market potential for a larger aircraft. The potential market could raise interest among other engine manufacturers."
 
Chuck Nugent, GM of GE's CF34 engine program, confirms his company is aware of the possibilities and paying attention, but so far no airframe or engine manufacturer has begun development.

FMI: www.bombardier.com