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How a regional aircraft is flown today will define its prospects tomorrow

Courtney Miller·August 4, 2021

There’s no one definition of a regional airline and that shows in the pandemic’s rebound. TAC Analysis continues its exploration of which types of regional airlines are excelling in the pandemic era, which are struggling, and what this means for the various aircraft types operating at each.

Three Points: Dash 8-400 pause, flying on Mars, miniaturizing the long-haul cabin

Jon Ostrower·February 17, 2021

De Havilland Canada's time building the Dash 8-400 turboprop in Downsview is coming to an end as the company plans to indefinitely pause production, but is leaving the door wide open to start again to begin a new for a post-COVID-19 rebound in demand. The fourth rock from the sun is slated to become the solar system's second planet to host a powered flight. Perseverance and Ingenuity arrive on Mars on February 18. As single-aisle jets like the Airbus A321XLR take on roles once assigned for long-range twins, the more narrow cabin is going to be a battleground for increasingly complex passenger systems in the fight against commodification.

Emerging markets both spur and limit Embraer’s E3 turboprop potential

Courtney Miller·December 10, 2020

The nuances of regional markets, both emerging and established, will offer a path for Embraer's E3, but will also limit its possible success. Turboprop customers are particularly sensitive to aircraft pricing, which will be challenged by the scope and pricing of a new development. By reintegrating its commercial unit, Embraer’s engineering talent is unconstrained to operate across its executive jet, defense and eVTOL businesses.

An unexpected competitive box awaits Embraer’s E3 turboprop

Jon Ostrower·November 23, 2020

With receding regional aviation competitors, Embraer studies a return to a market that hasn’t had the choice of an all-new product in decades. Unique quirks of the turboprop market and Embraer technology planning will pressure E3 market potential. Big leaps in efficiency of single-aisle jets compresses the list of small markets that need a big turboprop.

The Mitsubishi SpaceJet — as we know it today — is dead

Jon Ostrower·May 27, 2020

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries’ intent to cultivate a new market for the Japanese conglomerate in North America has been withdrawn. Its purpose, the creation of a next-generational regional jet, is on hold indefinitely. Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation, or Mitac, MHI’s commercial aircraft unit, is now set to shutter its operations in North America and Europe, the company confirmed last Friday. With letting go of Mitac’s international presence, its parent has reabsorbed its aircraft division leaving an indefinitely-paused future for the existing M90.