Originally Posted by
AirUK
I may be wrong, but I'm pretty certain that single-engine IFR operations in the public transport category are not permitted under EASA-OPS.
The best a/c for the route is the Twotter, IOS Skybus use them on high frequency, short sectors.
CAA have signed off on SET-IFR on public transport and have been positive about it for some time. They would permit it for the right carrier with the right approach.
EASA are almost there; sign off expected in less than a year.
DHC6 is still 3x the cost of the 208 for less than twice the seats, and too big for low season, resulting in heavy losses when flown < half full; at that level 208 is still profitable. I would guess it would break even with 6 on board.