Certain routes require just the right aircraft

Question: How do flight planners determine which aircraft to use on what route?

— Submitted by reader Simrat Saini, Charlottesville, Va.

Answer: Airlines have routeplanning specialists to ensure that the right-size airplane is used for the route, that any maintenance considerations are taken into account, and that airplanes arrive at the proper location for inspections and service at the proper intervals. It is an art to keep the schedule running. The scheduling professionals learn the job after years of airline experience and are vital to smooth operations.

Q: Airlines are making large profits, so why can’t they just park those dreaded regional jets and bring on more mainline aircraft? — CDP, Raleigh, N.C.

A: The regional jets fly routes where it would not be profitable to fly larger airplanes. If they parked the regional jets, there would be fewer flights to your airport. I agree that smaller regional jets are not as comfortable as the larger airplanes, but having the extra flights they provide is important.

Q: We do not seem to get many big planes at our airport (SAT). Is this because our runways are not long enough for a fully loaded 747 or 777 to take off ?

— Tom Villalon, San Antonio

A: The size of the airplane used on a route is usually due to the passenger and freight demand. Very large airplanes such as the 747, A380 and 777 require regular passenger demand of more than 300 people.

Q: It appears the flight I booked from Chicago to Hong Kong flies over the Arctic. Is this a common route? — Ed, Hemlock Mich. A: Polar routes are very common. They are more efficient and faster than other routes.