The Dynamic Regional Jet Market

The definition of a regional jet would typically include the fact that it is a twin turbofan engined airliner with a maximum of 100 seats. Interestingly the generally accepted first regional jet is thought to be the Yak-40, which was introduced in the Soviet Union, flying for Aeroflot in 1968. It is rather interesting that the Soviets were significantly ahead of the west in developing this category of aircraft. But there were other important aircraft of slightly larger size such as the Sud Aviation Caravelle and the Fokker F-28. This segment has been something of a tough area for aerospace companies.

As we state in our conclusion the regional jet market is highly dynamic. Even as airlines move to larger regional jets, they are limited by scope clauses at the top and highly efficient and fast turboprops at the bottom. Yet there are a number of new aircraft in the regional segment that use the latest technologies and materials that offer airlines better choices than ever before.