AirTran Airways is pushing for the development of an extended-range Boeing 717 after committing to 73 of around 120 717s due to be in service by the end of next year.
The low-fares carrier agreed last week to lease from Boeing Capital 22 of 30 ex-American Airlines 717s. Six others have been placed with Qantas, and two more are being placed with Bangkok Airways this month.
The move gives AirTran an all-717 fleet of 73 aircraft by the end of next year, when it will have phased out its remaining 26 McDonnell Douglas DC-9s. As part of the deal, Boeing eliminated nine of the 10 firm orders AirTran had for 2003 and is returning the cash deposits.
AirTran chief executive Joe Leonard says the carrier has no interest in a second aircraft type, as long as Boeing keeps manufacturing 717s and extends the aircraft's range. AirTran, which does not fly west of Kansas, is advocating a "717-300" that could fly non-stop from its Atlanta hub to the West Coast.
With future 717 product developments unclear, Leonard says AirTran has received bids for retrofitting its 717-200s with long-range fuel tanks. Some of its 717s already have the plumbing to support such tanks, but a US Federal Aviation Administration supplemental type certificate would be required.
The carrier has no outstanding 717 orders for 2004 and beyond, but holds options for six and purchase rights for another 20. AirTran is hoping Midwest Express's 25 aircraft order, at one delivery a month, starting in February, can keep the line active until it is ready again to take new aircraft. Irish lessor Pembroke has orders for seven 717s.
Source: Flight International
