The Dash 8 Series has paid its’ way and found a seat in the aeroplane hall of fame but, Regional Airlines will no longer order these aircraft types in large numbers as they did in the past and Bombardier knows that. Embraer doesn’t, if they’re seriously considering the introduction of a ‘clean sheet’ turbo prop. But good luck to them if they do.
Willie, you're quite right the Dash 8 has found its niche although it has suffered badly where price is the only competitive advantage. The Dash 8 suffered over ten years from under-investment in the product but this has been corrected recently and it is now regaining market share. The competition with ATR has been fierce, based largely on price, but there is now an appreciation the Dash 8 has better economics and much better performance anywhere there is high terrain (i.e. the Rockies), high temperatures (India) or long stages (i.e. Porter).
With the new turboprop announced by PWC this week in the 4,500 SHP to 7,000 SHP bracket for service entry in 2023-2025, a whole new range of possibilities is opened up.