New airline industry statistics released last month by the office of DOT inspector general Kenneth Mead revealed that regional jets now account for one-quarter of all departures in the U.S. In absolute terms, RJ frequencies increased 140 percent (from 88,474 to 212,126 departures) since December 2000, when the small jets accounted for just 10 percent of all departures. Meanwhile, flights involving mainline jets declined 19 percent and turboprop movements dropped a staggering 41 percent.
That RJs have assumed a vital role in the nation’s air transportation system should come as no surprise; but the extent and speed with which they’ve taken responsibility for routes within mainline networks have surprised many observers. New service to destinations rendered economically feasible by regional jets has contributed to the sector’s growth as well, while major carriers continue to stagnate as they wait for the so-called economic recovery to translate into a need for more larger airplanes.
