The economics of downsizing to large RJs, Issue 60 Oct/Nov 2008

The embraer E-Jets have made it possible for airlines to downsize from the smallest jetliners without losing efficiency of cost per seat. Large RJs allow airlines to match supply more closely with demand and save aircraft trip costs, while improving load factors. There are now several new generation large RJs that provide further gains in operating cost efficiency, and give airlines more choice for a strategy of downsizing from the smallest jetliners. The operating costs, in terms of trip costs and cost per seat, of the E-Jets, 737-600, 737-700, A319 and A320 are analysed and compared. Some elements of operating costs of the Bombardier C Series, MRJ and SSJ100 are also examined.