Even then it's a problem, as the fuel flow of those small aircraft is really high compared to the pax count. Smallest aircraft I've made a profit on was the gulfstream 1-C, with then doing 3 weekly instead of daily .
I guess part of the problem is that irl prices on such small routes are pretty high. If the choice is between 3-4 h ship/car trip or .5 h flight, the airline could demand a very high price.
on that note, stay away from the Piaggio Avanti and Beech Starship. they ended up giving me losses.........................