In an air travel market expected to roughly double by 2036, and with a new wave of improved regional aircraft entering service, airlines are taking a hard look at how they organize routes.
The hub-and-spoke model that connects destinations through central airports has long been the standard. But today, the industry is shifting toward an orientation dominated by longer, thinner, point-to-point routes.
The aging fleet of regional aircraft that serviced the old order is reaching the end of its life, and more than 5,000 new regional jets will be required over the next 20 years to replace it. A new breed of regional jet like the MRJ – with improved fuel efficiency, updated aerodynamics and lower operating costs – brings new choice to a regional market saddled with few options, and added potential for increased point-to-point service, reduced travel times and a better travel experience.