However, back at home in the UK, there really is very little need for the
E175 on flights like MAN-EXT. The Q is perfect for the mission. The fact that
the 175 has been brought in to fly GCI-LGW is just proof that the use of the
E175 is more about misplaced pride and less about the lack of performance from
the Q400.
Is the 175 a folly to please morons?
Both these posts hit the nail on the head for me. If the main driver of buying is price, and customers aren't too bothered then obviously the Q400 is the best choice if it offers lower cost and sufficient seats.
However, I would suggest that on routes like BHX/MAN-DUS, the real profit comes from business travellers who book late, pay >£300, are more sensitive to the equipment (Audible groans when a Q400 turns up unexpectedly) and have the choice of LH CRJs. In which case, extra cost of the jet could be outweighed by the additional high-yield passengers. Obviously the challenge for BE is to figure out which routes this actually makes a difference (DUS only needs 2xE175s... how many ordered?), and whether they are doing the right scheduling, marketing and pricing to attract these passengers.
[>70/88 this morning would have pleased the managers, though perhaps helped by LH's strike on Monday - perhaps increasing perception that it is high-fare LH cannot be relied on until the dispute with the Ver.Di Union is resolved.]