Regional Jets and Turboprops, Research Paper Example

Regional jets (embrraer 170/bombardier CS300) and Turboprops

A regional jet refers to a group of short to medium-range regional airlines powered by turbofan. On the other hand, a turboprop is an aircraft that is powered by a turboprop engine (Brueckner and Vivek Pai 112). Regional jets have been considered to carry fewer passengers than the main airlines; however, the present has seen a tendency of airline companies using regional jets that carry high numbers of passengers. Therefore, it has become difficult to differentiate between regional jets and main airlines planes such as turboprops.

In terms of price a regional jet was cheaper than a turboprop but with the coming into operation of a turbojet, regional jets that carry nearly the same number of passengers as some turboprops, the prices are now fairly the same (Babikian, Stephen and Ian 292). The operation costs of the former regional jets had been higher than the turboprops prompting a shift by airlines to turbojets that ferry more passengers. The general public have considered jets to be faster, smoother, quieter, and safer than turboprops aircraft, thus most people prefer travelling by jets (Ibid). Short to medium-haul markets have, therefore, seen a rise in passengers using regional jets than turboprops. The late 1994 and early 1995 recorded high numbers of passengers opting for regional jets, because of many witnessed turboprop accidents as noted by Forbes and Mara (195).

Regional jets are more flexible than turboprops. Main airlines or commercial planes using turboprops fly long distances non-stop, while regional jets operate short distances (Bonnefoy and R. John 1320). Therefore, for short-haul flights the use of regional jets is suitable. Regional jets can operate within continents or even from one part of a country to another. For example, planes operating within Germany alone or within Europe are regional.

Regional jets have cabins with single-aisle, which minimizes drag, fuel bum, weight and economic penalties (Bonnefoy and R. John 1320). The single-aisle, however, fails to provide desirable interior architecture and ambiance, spacious cabins, and easy mobility during flight for the cabin crew as well as passengers. Thus, the passenger agitation for larger twin-aisle aircraft is more than that of single aisle aircraft. Boeing predicts that the percentage of regional jet fleet will reduce from about 17 percent in 2008 to 7 percent in 2027 (Ibid). Considering environmental efficiency, regional jets that are smaller than turboprops are less preferable. Regional jets waste a lot of fuel carrying few passengers, and also cause congestion in airports. These factors are pushing airline companies towards large aircrafts. Because of predicted increase in fuel prices, congestion and environmental concern, the future will see a shift from regional jets to single-aisle types, which are more efficient.

The operating cost of regional jets is higher than that of turboprop airlines. It happens this way because large plans carry more passengers than regional jets, and should they travel the same distance the cost of fuel is almost the same (Babikian, Stephen and Ian 295). Therefore, the regional jets are in danger of making losses with increasing fuel prices expected to rock the world as years elapse. Main airline companies are gradually increasing their regional jet capacities to capacities even over 100. The 50-seat regional jets are almost death at present.

Considering flexibility and passenger perception regional jets are excellent for short-haul flights. However, the uses of turbojets, which are more efficient and environmental friendly, are gaining fame because the earlier regional jets were poor in these terms.

Works Cited

Babikian, Raffi, Stephen P. Lukachko, and Ian A. Waitz. “The historical fuel efficiency characteristics of regional aircraft from technological, operational, and cost perspectives.” Journal of Air Transport Management 8.6 (2002): 389-400.

Bonnefoy, Philippe A., and R. John Hansman. “Potential impacts of very light jets in the national airspace system.” Journal of aircraft 44.4 (2007): 1318-1326.

Brueckner, Jan K., and Vivek Pai. “Technological innovation in the airline industry: The impact of regional jets.” International Journal of Industrial Organization 27.1 (2009): 110-120.

Forbes, Silke J., and Mara Lederman. “The role of regional airlines in the US airline industry.” Advances in Airline Economics 2 (2007): 193-208.