One of the aviation magazines say that turboprops are poised for a comeback, and Bombardier and ATR, are in a good position to exploit it. I wonder if the smaller RJs will be put on longer-thinner routes. Anyway, looks like the return of the puddle-jumpers is in sight. -- Niraj Agarwalla -----Original Message----- From: The Airline List [mailto:AIRLINE@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Roger LaFrance Sent: Thursday, July 06, 2006 6:36 PM To: AIRLINE@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Subject: Bombardier in line for turboprop order Bombardier in line for turboprop order Continental Airlines of the U.S. is seeking to place 24 Bombardier 70-passenger Q400 turboprops on its domestic runs by early next year, replacing some small regional jets, says industry publication Aviation International News. Large turboprops, made by Bombardier in Toronto and by the Franco-Italian ATR in Europe, use less fuel than small regional jets on short-haul flights, resulting in a one-third advantage in operating costs. Bombardier booked net sales of 60 Q400s last year. It has confirmed the strength of the turboprop market worldwide and may build a larger Q400, but it does not comment on reports of orders.=20 Registered 7-day subscribers of The Gazette newspaper or electronic edition will enjoy full access to all montrealgazette.com content. =20 Roger & Amanda La France=20