Perhaps BE have a short memory... History is a great thing.
All BE have to do is look 100 miles down the road from BHD to see what happens when you swith a 146 to a turboprop.
About four years ago CityJet had a great idea to downsize to a S2000 and up frequencies. Just at the same time that BD launched the A321 from the same pier. (little and large)
Great Idea... but did they ask the fare paying public? No... they flew to EGHH instead! Within six months, the 146's were back, but the passengers had been burnt once. CityJet were off the route six months later- Handing the route to BE, who also lasted six months!
Rule 1 ... SLF don't like aircraft that look like they have come straight from a Casablanca set! They may be six months old... but you try telling that to a business person who thinks he is getting a second rate service for a similar price to that shiney new A320 parked next door.
Rule 2.... If SLF don't have a choice between Prop and Jet... ignore Rule 1. They have no choice!
[ 05 November 2001: Message edited by: Best Western ]