C208s in RPT?
Thread Starter
C208s in RPT?
G'day guys
Are there any C208s used in RPT any more, or was that just a flash in the pan?
And Torres... do you know anyone who used B200s in RPT? How did it go?
Are there any C208s used in RPT any more, or was that just a flash in the pan?
And Torres... do you know anyone who used B200s in RPT? How did it go?
using B200's... which is why, I suspect, Horatio asked him! 
Flight West Airlines commenced LCRPT services on June 1, 1987, with King Air 200 aircraft. The Western Queensland Subsidised Air Service Contract stipulated pressurised aircraft and EMB110 Bandeirante aircraft never replaced the King Air 200's. In the first year, the Queensand Transport subsidy accounted for up to 25% of total revenue.
The later Bandeirante (and Twin Otter) aircraft were Talair surplus and used only on air routes not included in the subsidised air service contract: e.g. Cairns, Normanton, etc to Mt Isa.
The King Airs were eventually replaced with EMB120ER Brasilia aircraft.
It is my belief that in the current climate, King Airs (and similar turbine aircraft less than at least 20 passenger seats) are not viable on scheduled RPT services, at currently prevailing air fares.
I recall only Flight West Airlines, Norfolk Island Airlines and Oxley Airlines operating King Air aircraft on RPT services. That none of those operators remain is probably an indication of the economics. I would never have proposed the King Airs on Flight West services in 1987 if they were not heavily subsidised.
Indeed, as air fares reduce in real value and operating costs rise, we are now seeing older technology 30 to 40 seat turbine aircraft (e.g. DHC8-100) being phased out.
The C208B may still be viable on essential, rural, hub and spoke RPT operations, however if those services can't generate 1,250 to 1,500 hours per annum, per aircraft, at 70% or greater load factor and real airfares, forget it!
The later Bandeirante (and Twin Otter) aircraft were Talair surplus and used only on air routes not included in the subsidised air service contract: e.g. Cairns, Normanton, etc to Mt Isa.
The King Airs were eventually replaced with EMB120ER Brasilia aircraft.
It is my belief that in the current climate, King Airs (and similar turbine aircraft less than at least 20 passenger seats) are not viable on scheduled RPT services, at currently prevailing air fares.
I recall only Flight West Airlines, Norfolk Island Airlines and Oxley Airlines operating King Air aircraft on RPT services. That none of those operators remain is probably an indication of the economics. I would never have proposed the King Airs on Flight West services in 1987 if they were not heavily subsidised.
Indeed, as air fares reduce in real value and operating costs rise, we are now seeing older technology 30 to 40 seat turbine aircraft (e.g. DHC8-100) being phased out.
The C208B may still be viable on essential, rural, hub and spoke RPT operations, however if those services can't generate 1,250 to 1,500 hours per annum, per aircraft, at 70% or greater load factor and real airfares, forget it!
