Growth and Operating Patterns of Regional Jets in the United States

摘要

Data concerning the growth and utilization of regional jets between 1998 and 2003 are presented and analyzed. During this period, daily regional jet operations increased by 356%. These additional flights were primarily used to enter new midrange markets that were previously too far to serve efficiently with a turboprop and too small to warrant a traditional jet. Analysis of aircraft situational display to industry operational data also shows an increase in the stage length of regional jet flights; for example, at Dallas-Fort Worth, the regional jet catchment basin increased from 299 n mile to 868 n mile. To better understand the reasons for the rapid growth of regional jets, an analysis of the economics of regional flight was performed. This analysis shows that airlines benefit from regional jets primarily because of the fee-per-departure payment structure and their current utilization patterns.