Boeing is in "detailed discussions with half a dozen airlines" over new sales of the 717-200, following its recent European tour. The manufacturer says it is confident that the twinjet's orderbook will be doubled, to over 200 aircraft, by the end of the year.
The tour revealed good sales prospects in southern Europe, particularly in Italy and Greece, claims the company. Total firm orders for the 717 stand at 115, but not a single firm order has been announced for the type so far this year.
Programme vice-president Jim Phillips predicts that new sales will be announced for "around 100 over the next four to five months, from up to five customers".
Executive vice-president sales and marketing Seddik Belyamani admits that a sale of the aircraft to a "big airline" will help stimulate interest, particularly among larger leasing companies. "We really need to sell it to a big airline before a big leasing company, but one airline has asked for a direct offer as a result of the European tour," Belyamani adds.
Two Greek airlines, Axon and Olympic Aviation, have already signed for the 717. Axon is placing two firm orders and leasing three more aircraft from Pembroke Capital, while Olympic will take two 717s on lease from Bavaria Leasing and is "considering three or four more on lease or firm order", says Belyamani.
Meanwhile, Boeing has "just about" completed its studies of a short field version of the 717 with a 50¼ flap setting, increased rudder throw and uprated BMW Rolls-Royce BR715 powerplants.
"We are really going to take on the BAe 146/Avro RJ family," says director 717 product marketing Rolf Sellge.
The 717-200 is "on track" for certification around the third week of September, says the company, with initial delivery to launch customer AirTran Airways by the end of that month.
Source: Flight International
