What Forces Will Shape Tomorrow's Short-Haul Aircraft

Commuter/regional airlines profits depend largely upon equipment which helps increase revenue a/o minimize operating costs, with former seen more critical. Airframe/component reliability is priority requirement. Maintenance schedules, a/c performance and pax appeal must mesh with demands of high weekday/daytime cycles between congested hubs and rural airports. Manufacturers help regionals most with a/c optimizing a blend of: payload, pressurized pax comfort, ops flexibility and fuel efficiency, progressive/simplified maintenance, airframe/component durability and reliability, low parts count, QC cabin for cargo/charter off-peak opportunities.