Guy Norris/LOS ANGELES
Boeing is close to signing orders and options for almost 200 717-200s, with leasing companies the main focus of interest.
According to company sources, by far the biggest single impending sale of the 100-seater is to leasing giant International Lease Finance, which is understood to be in final negotiations for 50 firm orders and 50 options. The deal would equal the original launch order from ValuJet (now AirTran Airlines), although there is speculation that the airline may now be seeking to remarket some of its aircraft.
Leasing company GATX is believed to be in discussions on a firm order for a further 15 717-200s. German lessor Bavaria is also considering offers on multiple packages of up to 12 aircraft.
Proposals are under way for up to 60 more orders from seven other operators, say the sources. These include Alitalia, which has been in talks for up to 15 aircraft, and UK operator Debonair, which has a letter of intent for leasing ten aircraft, with a further five on option agreed with McDonnell Douglas before its merger with Boeing. New talks between Debonair and Boeing are expected at the Asian Aerospace '98 show, which starts in Singapore on 24 February.
Other airlines involved in outline discussions are thought to include Cyprus Airways, Formosa, Royal Brunei and Sahara India Airlines, the last of which is interested in a fleet of ten. COPA of Panama, which was understood to be closing on a deal for Airbus narrowbodies in conjunction with neighbouring El Salvadorian carrier TACA, is also thought to be in negotiations for the 717.
Boeing, whose proposal to COPA covers up to 15 aircraft, has also held preliminary talks with a large number of other airlines.
Alitalia denies that it is in negotiations, saying that it is focusing on upgrading its medium haul fleet, but none of the other operators contacted by Flight International was prepared to comment.
Boeing declines to comment on specific customers, but says: "We have some unannounced sales and a lot of airlines are interested in the aircraft." It adds that some announcements are "possible" at Asian Aerospace.
Deliveries to launch customer AirTran are due to begin in 1999, with up to nine aircraft expected to be handed over by the end of the first year.
Source: Flight International
