Just wanted to see peoples views when building an airline. Is it better to use:
Small plane - Short Routes
Small plane - Long Route
Large plane - Short Routes
Large plane - Long Route
taking into account passengers prefer smaller planes, larger planes more efficient, more short routes have more fees..... that kind of thing. whats peoples opinions?
Short routes are usually the best. Unless you go for LH with wide bodies. With no competition, they will no soubt generate the most profit. However, the shorter the route, the more flights you can have for 1 aircraft, so they can also make lots of cash.
But, when there is competition, frequency will be your friend. Generally, the smaller the plane, the more of them you can use on 1 route to fill the demand. However, slots are often a major issue, so the planes shouldn't be too small. Many prefer for example A320/B737 on routes <1000NM and demand 100-20 000 (though on routes with demand <300 smaller planes like ATRs usually take the win if there's competition).
So, there are many tactics and ways to do things, and you should think which one suits you the best. And then just try different things ;)