Mike Boyd: The RJ Glut Is Here

[Heavy Set]

I agree with Furloughed Again.

I have flown as a PAX on the CRJ-700 and I thought it was awful for a 2+ hour flight. I don't think I would mind a 60 minute flight as much, but it was very uncomfortable for any longer - and my "normal size" carry-on wouldn't even come close to fitting in the small overhead bins - I am sure corporate travelers hate the CRJs (and probably the ERJs). The difference is that if you fly on a CRJ-700 to a bigger airport like PHX or LAX, then you are not likely to be directly given your bag once the airplane has parked - instead you have to proceed to the baggage carrosel - and WAIT like everyone else. Why pack a small carry-on at all?

I think the EMB-170/190 will be a breath of fresh air. It's too bad that Dornier 728 never came to fruition - it would have fit the bill as well with great technology. From a passenger standpoint, the EMB-170/190 will be a winner and people like me will continue to avoid the CRJ-700/900 on longer routes of 2+ hours. Now don't get me wrong, I wouldn't mind FLYING a CRJ-700/900, but as a PAX it sucks........... Nobody can deny that on long flights.

 

[General Lee]

If it were up to me to choose a 100 seater aircraft for Delta it would be the A318---with a Jetblue type maintenence deal. (Yeah, I know---there was no such deal---and there wasn't anyone on the grassy knoll either....) I have been a pax on the A319 (NW version) and I thought it was very nice and roomy. I am sure the big wigs at Delta could get some deal that involved discounts for larger purchases. Also, the A318 is actually flying today (Frontier)---so there wouldn't be a long delay like the EMB-190. And, even though we fly all Boeing (and MCDon) currently---it helps sometimes to have more than one manufacturer so you don't get gouged. (Boeing has tried to sell us winglest for our 737-800s for $1 mil a piece, and offered the same to European LCC's for $500,000----not good) Our President--Fred Reid--was the head of Lufthansa and brought the newer versions of the Airbus (not the older A300s) to Lufthansa--so he knows people at that company.

Bye Bye--General Lee

 

[Anti-Matter]

Fred Reid is German?