I can't believe the likes of Rex, Q-Link and Aeropelican haven't already jumped to the chance of buying/leasing E170's and servicing these routes with bigger equipment. Just what are their bean counters doing with their spare time????

Furthermore, I think you're onto something here Arthur T...the maintenance costs of E170/190's would plummet by servicing these routes, as they could let the pressurisation system do nothing and fly these routes at or below 10000'. Less pressurisation cycles on the airframe is surely better for their resale value too???

For both airline and customer it seems like a win-win to me! Hell, I could even fly to work!

Nigel,most of the flights that these airlines operate are only about 1 and a half hour flying time at the most which makes the SAAB 340, Dash 8 etc perfect for this operation, a jet would be uneconomical with the short distance and small loads.

I think Nigel was being sarcastic ;)

Virgin Blue has ordered one more B737-800 this week taking their aircraft orders at Boeing from 40 to 41 for this year. Total to be delivered (according to Boeing) is 59 737-800's.

Alliance has landed Fokker 100's at Port Augusta a few times in the past, cant see why a E170/190 could not land or take off there.