Midwest Express Airlines has finalised its order for 25 Boeing 717-200s and options on 25 more. The Milwaukee-based carrier originally planned 20 firm orders, plus 30 options, over a year ago. Total commitments for the 717 are now at 162 firm orders and 112 options.
Unlike the original deal, which extended deliveries to late 2006, they will now be completed in 2005. Midwest is to use the 88-seat 717 to expand capacity, launch new services and replace 23 McDonnell Douglas DC-9s.
The Midwest confirmation, added to sustained support from launch operator AirTran, is also expected to lead to a production rate increase next year. The 717's moving line is producing around 16 aircraft a year and could move up to two a month in 2003.
Source: Flight International
