Boeing is looking to kick-start sluggish sales of the 717 twinjet by placing 24 ex-American Airlines aircraft on short-term leases. "If we can get it into airlines' hands, we feel they will be convinced," says James Phillips, Boeing general manager 717 programme.
The 24 Boeing-owned aircraft, which are being remarketed by its Aircraft Trading division, are part of a consignment of 30 717s delivered to TWA before it was absorbed by American. The other six belong to Pembroke Capital and have been placed with Qantas.
Boeing, which plans to deliver 20 new 717s this year, says it is in talks with several potential new customers including Air Canada, Austrian Airlines and Finnair. Bangkok Airways, which already operates two 717s, could also acquire more.
Source: Flight International