OKEYDOKEY HERE’S THE OTHER BIG NO NO WITH MINBUSES AND 737’S TRYING TO PUDDLE JUMP. A 757 can operate ETOPS due to having a much greater level of system redundancy (triplicated hydraulics, autopilots, etc) which the smaller craft don’t possess. These 737’s etc, will have to travel within 60 minutes of a suitable diversion if they are to be operated in a public transport role. They couldn’t make it accross with a full low cost config (with legal reserves) if they flew direct let alone with the 60 minute diversion requirement.

The only way they could do it is to do what Mongu says – pick up some of the cheap ($150,000 per month) 757’s that are available at the moment.