Not so sure about a "steep" discount. Yes, money off for being the = launch customer. But Embraer is not in a situation where it needs massive order infusions to keep the assembly lines going. This allows them greater = "take it or leave it" flexibility. And on the idea that underwing engines are more attractive to = customers... I have to confess that I don't know of anyone who chooses which plane to = fly on based on the location of the engines. Couple that with the = DC-9/MD-80/717 line of aircraft, and I just don't think that dog will hunt. -----Original Message----- From: The Airline List [mailto:AIRLINE@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Alireza Alivandivafa Sent: Tuesday, June 10, 2003 11:13 PM To: AIRLINE@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Subject: Re: Jet Blue orders 200 Embraer Jets Ok, at first I saw this a the dumbest thing. jetBlue is one of my favorites, as everyone here knows, and I would not have expected them to stray from the low fare model. I see a couple of things here, however, = what I think will help them. I am sure they are getting the 190s for a steep discount, so that will help right off. Additionally, they look like conventional twins, with engines slung underwing, making them more attractive to customers. Finally, I think they want to use these to = expand out of LGB. There are many more regional jet slots out of LGB than = there are mainline. If LGB does not expand slot capacity, then B6 will have = to start looking to the other airports, and lose some of the LGB charm. If they convince Long Beach to accept the 190s as RJs, then they will be = able to massively expand service and add flight frequency. These things get = so much better gas mileage than the A318, completely negating the = commonality advantage