With their current expansion reaching saturation in many countries, a sub fleet would allow them expand further into the regions, lower operating and landing costs, increase frequencies on existing or peripheral routes, increase year round routes and take on competition where they currently can't compete with more efficient aircraft (such as BE in the UK).
In all the talk about a sub fleet I rarely hear mention of the CSeries which would seem like an ideal fit to me (if they see it as financially viable to ditch the fleet commonality pillar of the low cost model).
- Not too low capacity at 130-145 seats (scope for the low cost fares)
- Comfortable modern cabin with attractive pax seating options (80% window/aisle, wider middle seat)
- Great short field performance
- Large overhead bins for the cabin baggage FR love
- What should be class leading fuel economy
- Manufacturer need of a major launch customer
- Irish connection (Belfast wing production)
Though publicly FR have been talking for the need of a new 200 seat jet.