Many years ago Ansett ordered 6 x B737-500's for Ansett NZ as a replacement for the B737-100's. The intention was to operate the B737-500's domestically in NZ, Trans Tasman and some domestic services in Aust. This was to obtain sufficient round the clock utilisation to make the aircraft viable.
When it became obvious the (AFAP) pilots were not going to agree to the proposal the B737-500 order was cancelled and BAe146's were ordered instead with the a/c going into service in July 1989.
History can repeat itself.