Expert: Hus Naji - 9/21/2007

Question
This might seem mundane, but I am fascinated by the airline business.  I wondered if you new of any commercial airliners that have transcontinental capabilities, but seat only around 100 people.  Essentially, I want to know what is the smallest, modern international jet airliner.  Thanks.

Answer
Hi, Im afraid I couldn't fully answer this, I know lots about the pilot side of things but transcontinental, not too sure about. However, there are the charter companies that have anything from 4 seater jet aircraft to Boeing MD-83 (which seat 40 ppl) but they are private use. For commercial, its more; the more seats and passengers, the better, hence the huge orders for the Airbus A380.

There are commercial companies, like in Africa that use perhaps Dash 8s to transport people between neighbouring countries. But you can even fly a 2 seater Cessna from Europe to the USA, just have to stop a fair few times to refuel.

Hope that helps!!!