Maintaining reliability

Regional airlines and business jet operators care about fuel efficiency, just not as much as engine reliability.

While fuel costs have risen to the number-two cost driver after salaries for most mainline carriers, managers and engineers at regional airlines and corporate operators still name reliability as their top priority-even over fuel efficiency.

“After safety, reliability is really the only thing we can sell,” said Gene Hahn, Vice President of Flight Operations for Horizon Air. “It is imperative we are able to operate and that people can count on us.”