Gaunty
"The sun is setting on the Metro".
Captain, the sun might go down over Rotto each afternoon, but 'twill shine on the Metro on regional 19 seat ops for many more moons, and still be there in the golden morning sun getting ready for another run.
Can't be replaced, because there is nothing (in your words) more efficient that can replace it. Noting on the drawing board either.
The Beech babies and GenX J32ers are gone from production together with the peace pipe.
But oil prices will stay high and the Pratts even emptied the deep tight pockets of SQ!
Unless we see a liquidation of Raytheon's fleet at reasonable prices, the Beech will not get a look in.
Regional centres who currently have a Metro cannot support a Bras or Saab......both of which, too, are out of production and as old (generally) and safe as the Metro in the hands of our next generation.
Then again, Meeka or Birdsville might have population explosions......but then again, not.
As for the others,
Not many Metro's come from Mexico, not that it is relevant. Not sure why Mexico gets a kick in this regard.
Passenger's perspective ..... yeah so you can stand up when you get in and out in the Beech. But you cant stand up during take off or landing, Metro or Beech. More relevantly, passengers want an air service........all of the routes the Beech were on, well they're not anymore. It is the same argument as putting a Bras or Saab into a port with five paying nothing backsides.....It is only temporary. Then hey presto no service or back to the Metro.
How many deaths (pax or crew) is the Metro responsible for in Australia.............none. Pilots are TOTALLY responsible for them not the aircraft.
J31/32 in service and metro's in the bone yard.............wrong china. Other way around. And don't start me on 31's. Poms could never do anything that made money in aviation....