900ERs would fit well in
VB's fleet, replacing the 700s that they're not that pleased with. 700s were supposed to do the smaller runways but all the runway challenging places (MCY, BNA, HTI) get 800s more often. Go from a 700 to an 800 and you get 25% more seats for about 10% additional fuel burn.
As for those range figures, 2400 nm is about as good as you get from a loaded 800, and flights on those routes tend to be capped, at least into a headwind. APW-SYD and BNE-DPS for instance.
SO... if the E190 has about 36 seats fewer than the 737-700 (108 vs 144 I think) and the E Jet pilots are worth 20% less... I guess if the 900ER seats 36 more than the 800 (about 216 in a
VB style config) then the 737 pilots are in for a payrise..? Good time to discuss fleet pay.