CS-300 or 737 Max

Which aircraft makes the most sense for flying domestic US market?  

I started up a few months ago in Devau and am flying a fleet of CS300s with CRJ’s as feeders.  However, I’m looking at 737 Max 8s as a possibility to replace my CS300s.  In all honesty the upcoming Max 7 probably would make more sense to me, but I’m not sure I want to wait a year for that to be introduced.  Is it worth it to fly Max 8s, even though they might not fill as easily as my CS300s, or should I operate the CS300s until the Max 7 is available?  As far as cabin configurations go, the current 737-700 BGW would be perfect for me if it wasn’t for its lesser fuel economy vs the new generation of jets.

Ultimately I want to operate 3 maintenance categories (CRJ, 787, and then either the CS300 or 737).  The main attraction for switching to the 737 is that I have the option to select a plane, (7 or 8) which best suits demand for the route whereas the CS300 leaves me feeling that I'm losing some sales on higher demand routes due to limited seating room.  If only there were a CS500 to offer on those routes.

Does anyone else have thoughts on this?

On the US markt A321neo light and 737 Max 8 do a very good job.

I think going for Max 8 or A321 is the way to go, if you feel the demand is great enough. 

That said, if you are worried that some flights might not be easily filled, staying with CS300 untill 737 Max 7 is available seems like a good idea.

CS 300 is pretty versatile, but, for sure, not always big enough.

I tried to make this as comprehensive as possible. I hope this helps you!

A320 Series

Pros:

• A321neo light has great economics.

• A320neo light has good range.

• The A321 and the A320 are produced in separate factories, so if you order both, you get faster delivery

Cons:

• A319, inefficient small-sized family member

• Slightly harder to find used A320 series aircraft on the market

737 Series

Pros:

• 737-700, efficient small-sized family member

• 737-900ER HGW variants have incredible range

• 737-900ER BGW is very economical

• 737-700 produced in own factory

Cons:

• 800, MAX 8, and 900 series aircraft are produced in the same factory, slower delivery times with large orders

• 737-800 BGW and 737-8 MAX have low range

• 737-800 HGW variants and 737-MAX HGW are somewhat inefficient compared to A320 series aircraft with similar capabilities

CSeries

Pros:

• Great economics for size on both the CS300 and the CS100

• Fantastic range for both aircraft

• Slightly lower prices than comparable aircraft (737-600, A318)

• Cabin width makes premium business class configurations more space-efficient

Cons:

• CS300 and CS100 are produced at the same factory, slowing delivery of large orders

• CS100 is not as efficient as its closest peer for shorthaul routes (E195)

Delivery - every 21 hours, you can get one (1):

• 737-8, 737-800, or 737-900ER

• 737-700

• CS100 or CS300

• A319 or A321

• A320

Thanks for the replies, I received a lot of useful info.  I think I'll order a few Max 8s, run them, and see how they do.  I can put more 1st and business class seats there (which I always fill) so that may allow me to make-up for not always filling economy class.  We'll see how that goes and I might start transitioning to Max 8 if it works well and then just be patient for the Max 7 and replace my existing CS300s then

I actually prefer the 737-8 Max to the 737-700 BGW. Larger plane and better fuel consumption to boot.

I've had a few days now to test it and I'm seeing the Max 8 is working better for me on most routes than the CS300.  While I don't always fill economy, I have found that I have 25% more seating for First (5 seats vs 4) and 60% more seating in Business (24 seats vs 15).  I fill both of those easily so I'm finding higher margins from the aircraft.