UK carrier Flybe is pressing manufacturers for a new form of regional jet to be available to the market within the next seven years.
The airline says it is "throwing down the challenge" to airframers to develop such an aircraft.
"We want manufacturers to combine the economic and environmental performance of the turboprop with the positive benefits of jet performance," says Flybe chief Jim French.
"Such a combination will provide the right technological platform from 2020 onwards."
He made the statement as the airline committed to 35 Embraer 175s, an agreement disclosed during the Farnborough Air Show and part of an overall order for up to 140 jets.
Source: Air Transport Intelligence news
