Market Presence. Values have fallen and continue to do so even as aircraft are scrapped and parked. As a member of the A320 family, technology is not an issue for the A318. The interior of the A318, providing a wider diameter than the competition, is attractive for corporate customers so conversion to corporate use is still possible. On a 100 seater, such an advantageous interior arrangement will further enhance passenger perceptions though operator appeal is less obvious. The high gross weight A318s are a match for the B737-600, something that was lacking with the original payload/range objectives. However, a 100 seater usually flies shorter sectors such that flight times are likely to approximate an hour. The difference in MTOWs has a significant effect on range capability. While structural changes are unlikely to be necessary to accommodate higher gross weights on a post-production basis, there may be some operating empty weight implications.
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