"Realistic" Airlines

So I was wondering what characteristics a "realistic" airline has. I've run a few spamlines, but I'm interested in trying out a realistic airline for a change.

Not ordering hundreds of every kind of plane.

Not flying to every possible destination from a hub.

Basically just do some basic research on airlines from wherever you want to run it, and you'll be fine.

Also, not maxing out all the available operating hours on planes.

Is 16 hours fairly realistic?

I agree!!! nobody would even think about a, lets say>  Montevideo-Cape Town route and make it profitable in Real World terms! There must be a way for correcting that kind of @irreality@ in the game

Is 16 hours fairly realistic?

For long haul aircraft, because there are less total cycles being put onto the airframe, upwards of 16 hours should be fine. I keep shorthaul anywhere between 9 and 12 hours daily because there are more cycles being put onto the airframe. 

For long haul aircraft, because there are less total cycles being put onto the airframe, upwards of 16 hours should be fine. I keep shorthaul anywhere between 9 and 12 hours daily because there are more cycles being put onto the airframe. 

Thank you! I'll keep that in mind.

hour utilization for American Airlines and Delta ranges from 9.5 to 10 (including regionals)

jetBlue has one of the highest utilizations at 12.7 hours a day
 

hour utilization for American Airlines and Delta ranges from 9.5 to 10 (including regionals)

jetBlue has one of the highest utilizations at 12.7 hours a day
 

I swear JetBlue runs at 14 (including turn time). Plus, 9.5-10 does not include turn time. AE does include turn time.