RJ Stud-
According to Delta Q&A on the DeltaNet relating to the CHQ contract and its MCO operation, it stated that there were major cost advantages in CHQ operations over Comair.
Including:
-cost advantage of the 37 seat ERJ over the 40 seat CRJ.
-40 seat CRJ costs the same to operate as the 50 seat CRJ. (they did note that the purchase price was slightly less, however the maint., fuel burn, crew costs were the same)
-proving runs to acquire the ERJ (at Comair) would be costly and training cost would skyrocket because of multiple type aircraft.
-40 and 50 seat CRJ load restrictions in EYW vs. ERJ
-fixed cost product
-no capital needed for aircraft acquisition
-CHQ safety record (highest among all its regionals) resulted in lower liability insurance costs
Delta is looking to save money anyway it can. Just as mainline flying has gone to ASA/Comair on thin routes, ASA/Comair will lose flying to contract carriers when the money equation makes sense.
According to Delta Q&A on the DeltaNet relating to the CHQ contract and its MCO operation, it stated that there were major cost advantages in CHQ operations over Comair.
Including:
-cost advantage of the 37 seat ERJ over the 40 seat CRJ.
-40 seat CRJ costs the same to operate as the 50 seat CRJ. (they did note that the purchase price was slightly less, however the maint., fuel burn, crew costs were the same)
-proving runs to acquire the ERJ (at Comair) would be costly and training cost would skyrocket because of multiple type aircraft.
-40 and 50 seat CRJ load restrictions in EYW vs. ERJ
-fixed cost product
-no capital needed for aircraft acquisition
-CHQ safety record (highest among all its regionals) resulted in lower liability insurance costs
Delta is looking to save money anyway it can. Just as mainline flying has gone to ASA/Comair on thin routes, ASA/Comair will lose flying to contract carriers when the money equation makes sense.