They don’t NEED a flight attendant or an aircraft SAAB or bigger.
Clearly you have not seen some of the “specials” on regional flights. People in wheelchairs or with walking frames who NEED to go to the city for a medical appointment. Ground staff work with cabin crew to make this work.
A Saab 340 is the smallest suitable in most cases.
Thanks 43 inches for the summary. Do you think the fleet is now beyond an upgrade? Something to give them ten more years?