SMOKIE -
Interesting comments about needing to get towed on and off the stand every time on a Q400. And how is that different from any other aircraft?
Oh the others can use 'power back' you say?
Well Q400s can do just the same thing! Stick those Dowty props into reverse pitch and you will move back quite nicely!
As for quick turnrounds, it is no slower than any other aircraft.
And as for the cheaper options of 146s & 737s - get real!!
146 support is going to get more expensive since they have stopped building them and hence the spares pool will slowly dimish.
And if Mr Ryanair and Easyjet are going to pay their 737 crews £50K a year then FlyBE would have to match if they want to keep their crews.