The turboprop's leadership in operating economics is further re-enforced in these times of rapidly escalating fuel prices.
The turboprop's DOC (direct operating cost) is typically 20-30% lower than regional jets. This includes fuel, maintenance, pilot and crew salaries, insurance and airport/navigation fees, and ownership. Furthermore, the turboprop burns up to 40% less fuel than regional jets depending on the particular route.
All this translate into millions of dollars of savings over regional jets. Imagine - at today's prices of around $1.20 a gallon, a 50-strong turboprop fleet flying a typical 2,500 hours a year in a US medium haul operation could save the airline about $20 million a year in fuel over a similarly operated regional jet fleet.
And the latest generation of modern turboprops have achieved the same levels of high technology and comfort as the regional jets. They have also virtually eliminated the gap in speed traditionally held in favour of the regional jet
Interior noise levels for today's turboprop are also similar to those for regional jets, and in some cases they are even quieter. Recent surveys give strong evidence that passengers, have no aversion to the new generation of turboprops and no particular aircraft preference. Rather it is price and schedule that are driving choice, making the modern turbo-prop an attractive money-making solution and ready for resurgence.
Keyvan Fard, vice-president Pratt & Whitney Canada, Longueuil Quebec, Canada
Source: Airline Business
