Airbus and to a lesser extent Bombardier have a huge TCO[1] advantage due to fleet commonality.

Frankly I'm suprised you found the 700 and 900 different and the 700 more like the 200 as I was under the distinct impression that the exact opposite should be the case, the 700 and 900 share a different cabin design from the 200 with a lower floor and higher windows, supposed to make it feel roomier, especially at the shoulders. I guess it shows to go you the difference that cabin fitout makes. I also therefore caution not to expect the cabin you saw in the jungle jet to still be like that when AC gets finished with their fitout design.

Bombardier is probably kicking themselves now that they canned the 110 seat design they were working on (and then again maybe not it was a totally new design and this one purchase is probably not anywhere near the volumes they need to launch a new type).

[1] Total cost of ownership

[This message has been edited by Bytepusher (edited 09-12-2003).]