It's the Q400 which really turns this whole debate on it's head.
-330kias cruise
-NVS cabin noise suppression system
-same per-seat costs as B737 but with less seats-ideal for thinner routes that a B737 would be too big for
-need only be 1/3-1/2 full to break even
-comfy spacious interior
-STOL like it's predecessors
-...
It really is a revolutionary a/c, and a lot cheaper to run than the CRJ. Bombardier have scaled down production of the CRJ in favour of expanding the Q-series production line!
