I'm glad you have noticed that Virgin Blue. I have long asked the question why the 175 was purchased. I think it can be argued that BE's rise to the top has a lot to do with the q400 an despite the recession is it merely a coincidence that profits are now sliding with their demise?
Surely you have to ask the question why Brussels, Olympic etc are willing to take the q400's of BE's hands an pay them for the privilege? Why the likes of Eurolot, Baltic Air, Luxair are all ditching jets for the q400? Why Porter have become so big and are not nose diving like BE?
Is the 175 a folly to please morons? I think it speaks volumes that the only country that turns its nose up at the q400 is America.