JA Heron2 replacement suggestion in the '70s

[eleytheria]

It's 1969 and I'm running a fleet of used Heron2. It is working out great as I'm based at a small airport and they cover a good range, 17pax and 740NM is the perfect combination right now.

Before venturing in actually buying new ones (current ones are very old) I would like to know from the more experienced players what comparable birds will be available in the next 5/10 years which will represent an improvement in terms of speed and fuel economy while still being small and covering a 'long' range.

Thank you for your help!

[Infinity]

Fokker 27 500/600 looks like a reasonable replacement. It offers more seats, much faster speed and while it burns 2.5 times as much fuel as the Heron, it is still very economical.

[eleytheria]

Thank you, seems reasonable, even though on some routes I won't be able to use them as there is a 12/15 demand which I can satisfy with the Heron...

But I guess I will start using them fokkers from a future second base with more demand.

Otherwise any other suggestion?

[chiveicrook]

EMB-110 and all later variants seem like a good route to take. Also from what I remember later versions of Fairchild Metro (not yet available) offer similar range to Heron and are much faster.

[Sanabas]

Run Herons until Metros arrive. Metro II carries 19 pax 250 NM, or 16 pax 600 NM. Metro III arrives around 1981 or so, and carries 19 pax 900+ NM.

[eleytheria]

Metro 3s is the answer, thank you. Also gives me the time to adapt to potential increases in demand during the '70s... Now...would you reccomand to lease new herons for ~10years or sticking to the used market, considering that there should be a bunch of less used planes coming on the second hand market in the upcoming years? I just do not want to fly >10yo planes unless I really have to (maintenance).