Originally Posted by
Deano969
They won't be getting ATRs...
They won't be getting new birds
The Q400s will help standardise the fleet and REX will only buy 10-20 year old frames
Make no mistake ZL and VA are both in talks with QR, but QR still believe they will get extra flights and the SYD-CBR tag is still a viable option
That said VA is the preferred option although ZL is both cheaper and has more growth potential domestically and a larger potential ROI
A 10-20 year old Q400 is worth the same as a new ATR, thats the problem. They are a lot more expensive new than the respective new ATR. You are paying for a thouroughbred vs a school pony. That is why ATR kicked its ass in sales, as they made its nag way cheaper to buy and operate. I don't like ATR at all personally, but you can't argue with its operating economics. The SAAB 2000 died a similar death as it worked out cheaper to buy an ERJ/CRJ and wear the extra fuel burn.
The Q400 only worked at QLink because QF group used its power to buy a bunch of them, and then probably helped with other costs along the way. They then get full loads from on carriage and the QF groups marketing pull.