Propellers and jets have their own advantages. While turbofans are more efficient at higher altitudes and speeds, a prop plane is decidedly more environmentally friendly for short ranges. Domestic and regional flights’ carbon footprint has been under scrutiny recently, with the French passing laws banning domestic trips. Therefore, are propeller airliners like the Q400 the solution to the problems associated with regional flight?
For our purposes, we will define a “regional” flight as a trip that is shorter than two hours. Most flights longer than that tend to be more efficient with jets. Currently, why are airlines using aircraft like the CRJ-700 or E175 for short-haul journeys? Larger airlines tend to have more of these jets than smaller propeller aircraft. Furthermore, a prop lacks the range and versatility of the jetliners. While a E175 can travel from Seattle to Mexico, a De Havilland Otter cannot. Finally, these aircraft have more seats, and therefore, more profit.
Can using props even works as well as a jet? Larger aircraft like the aforementioned Q400 have the capacity and range similar to the CRJs commonly used. To add, the jets also possess more efficiency for shorter trips. One drawback is the travel time. Successful airlines are models of efficiency, with speed the utmost priority. A propeller is by far slower than a jet, causing companies to reschedule their flight plans.
Propeller jets possess obvious benefits, the least of which is environmental. Although profits may take a hit at first, a propeller will eventually save fuel costs. However, a slower pace and a lack of versatility may kill any hopes of a bladed future.