Evolution and Design Philosophy—Performance and Operating Economics

A description of the problems met in intensive short haul operations and the solutions adopted. Cheap and short is a contradiction in terms if one is talking about cost per mile. The reasons for high costs on short sectors are well known; frequent stops consume much time on the ground reducing utilisation of aircraft and crew, and reduce the throughput in scat miles per annum and hence the revenue earning capability. Landing fees and station cost are spread over a smaller revenue.