Hi P&A
good points but the 500lbs of lead does because the payload is cut and so either more trips need to be performed to provide the same transport capacity. OR another way to look at that is: If the 500lbs of lead is removed but the payload is not increased then the critical components are working less hard. a bit perverse true, but true non the less...
They could run Twins with less 2 pax and achieve a similar effect Cat2e could possibly remove the e if only ONE pax were carried - but would it be worth it in extra runs? 10 runs with 1 pax or 1 exposed run with 10 pax?