When an Air New Zealand Boeing 777-300ER completed a Los Angeles-Auckland flight in December, it was the first time an airline operated under 240-min. extended operations (ETOPS). But the new 240-min. limit is no longer the edge of the envelope—330 min. is now poised to become the new ETOPS gold standard—ever since last November when Boeing received type design authority from the FAA to offer a 330-min. ETOPS “option” on the General Electric GE90-powered 777 family.

When approving ETOPS extensions, the reliability of the propulsion system is the primary focus of the regulators. Central to that is the demonstrated engine inflight shut-down rate (IFSD), which must not exceed specific thresholds.

The partnership between major airlines and regional carriers has long been based on the premise of “seamless service,” although the only thing seamless about it has been a common reservation system and a shared airline International Air Transport Association code. For passengers transferring to a regional airliner from an intercontinental jet, cabin comfort and amenities often defy comparison. But that could be changing, as global carriers vie for the lucrative first and business classes and some coach passengers show a willingness to pay more for greater room in economy.