Originally Posted by
dagowolf
Standardization is good, but why on a 900? The Q400 is more fuel efficient and carries 70+ passengers. Seems if an airline is concerned about fuel costs they would be looking at operating cost first.
You also have to staff up mechanics & pilots for the new type, train them, and establish your maintenance and operating procedures. Doing that for a small number of a new type drives up costs. At an airline like NW, each type has it's own chief pilot, training pilot, simulators, etc. It's not a minor effort.
Now the Q400 is an appealing option (and Alaska's free beer in coach made it even more appealing
).