Just to add to what Cyrano says, even if BMI chose to update their fleet while remaining within the 50 seat range, what replacement equipment is actually available? Turboprops don't fit their business model. Indeed, I think there is an argument that part of the problems regional airports are facing is down to lack of suitable equipment, and by that I mean TPs are simply not suitable in all situations --- the BMI business model being an example.
BMI seem to be holding their heads above water, so perhaps their route choice is not all bad. Were they to move to routes with more traffic, they would end up competing with big carriers flying much bigger (read cheaper, on an ASK basis) equipment.
Last edited by M-JCS; 7th Mar 2014 at 07:42.