How does the Q400 stack up against other turboprops and regional jets? It depends on who you're asking.
The airlines are rethinking their use of regional jets on many short to medium length routes as the price of jet fuel continues to increase. In the early 1990s, jet fuel was relatively inexpensive. Airlines started using the regional jets to replace slower and aging turboprops. The RJs also increased the routes that could be flown with smaller aircraft as their range is much greater than a typical turboprop.
The fuel burn rate for a typical CRJ200 at cruise level is 2,500-3,000 pph compared to the Q400's 2000 pph. That's a 20-33% savings in jet fuel. No wonder the airlines are wanting to dump the RJs.
But if you ask the paying customers which they prefer, most will choose the RJs over the turboprops. Cabin noise is the number one complaint about turboprops, especially on flights over one hour. On longer flights, turboprops are often relegated to lower cruise altitudes where the weather may provide a less comfortable flight environment.
Passenger perception that jets are more reliable than props is also a factor, though the engine technology is essentially the same. Nonetheless, stories about turboprop disasters, such as the Continental Connection Flight 3407 that crashed outside of Buffalo, NY, may prove difficult for passengers to choose an airline/flight that uses a turboprop over an RJ or full-size jetliner.
WestJet has a good reputation and a loyal customer base. They have a good opportunity to extend their service to non or under-serviced airports and demonstrate the reliability and acceptability of the Q400.
The airlines are rethinking their use of regional jets on many short to medium length routes as the price of jet fuel continues to increase. In the early 1990s, jet fuel was relatively inexpensive. Airlines started using the regional jets to replace slower and aging turboprops. The RJs also increased the routes that could be flown with smaller aircraft as their range is much greater than a typical turboprop.
The fuel burn rate for a typical CRJ200 at cruise level is 2,500-3,000 pph compared to the Q400's 2000 pph. That's a 20-33% savings in jet fuel. No wonder the airlines are wanting to dump the RJs.
But if you ask the paying customers which they prefer, most will choose the RJs over the turboprops. Cabin noise is the number one complaint about turboprops, especially on flights over one hour. On longer flights, turboprops are often relegated to lower cruise altitudes where the weather may provide a less comfortable flight environment.
Passenger perception that jets are more reliable than props is also a factor, though the engine technology is essentially the same. Nonetheless, stories about turboprop disasters, such as the Continental Connection Flight 3407 that crashed outside of Buffalo, NY, may prove difficult for passengers to choose an airline/flight that uses a turboprop over an RJ or full-size jetliner.
WestJet has a good reputation and a loyal customer base. They have a good opportunity to extend their service to non or under-serviced airports and demonstrate the reliability and acceptability of the Q400.
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| Comparison of key passenger features between turboprops and regional jets. |
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