1998

08.01.1998: Die MD-95 wird offiziell als "Boeing 717" vorgestellt.

Pressemitteilung:

Boeing Introduces 717-200 Airplane as New Regional Jet

SEATTLE, Jan. 08, 1998 -- The Boeing Company today introduced and renamed the newest member of its commercial airplane family -- the Boeing 717-200 twinjet.

"The 717-200 is uniquely qualified to meet the evolving requirements of the new regional jetliner market," said Ron Woodard, president, Boeing Commercial Airplane Group. "It's a 100-seat airplane market that demands comfort, low operating costs and high schedule reliability. This is the plane to meet that need."

The 717-200 was first introduced to the world in October 1995 as the McDonnell Douglas MD-95. AirTran Airlines launched production with an order for 50 and options for 50 more.

Today's announcement embraces the 717-200 as a strong addition to the Boeing product line. The twinjet represents the merged company's commitment to continued production and development of a plane that is ideally suited to meet worldwide expansion and replacement needs in the short-haul, high-frequency 100-seat market. The 717-200 meets those needs by featuring low operating costs, high schedule reliability, efficient short-runway operations, fast turnaround at airport gates and the capability of achieving eight to 12 one-hour flights on a daily basis.

Boeing anticipates that the world's airlines will need 2,500 jetliners of 80-120 seats over the next 20 years.

The first three 717-200s are in final assembly at the Douglas Products Division of Boeing Commercial Airplane Group in Long Beach, Calif. The program involves a global team of 14 major supplier-partners. Currently, 900 Boeing employees are developing and building the 717-200.

"We and our supplier-partners are producing a new airplane with the highest quality at the lowest-possible acquisition cost," Woodard said.

Passengers and flight crews will appreciate the 717-200's all-new spacious interior, which features illuminated handrails, larger overhead bins and other amenities.

The 717-200 two-crew flight deck incorporates the industry's most modern and proven avionics, configured around six liquid-crystal display units and advanced Honeywell VIA 2000 computer systems similar to those in other new Boeing jetliners. The flight deck has an electronic instrument system, a flight-management system and a central-fault display system. Options available include a Category IIIb autoland capability for bad weather; Global Positioning System; and Future Air Navigation System.

Two advanced high-bypass-ratio BR715 engines, built by BMW Rolls-Royce, will power the Boeing 717-200. For the 717-200, this engine is rated at 18,500 pounds of takeoff thrust, with an optional increase up to 21,000 pounds. It provides airlines with lower fuel consumption, reduced exhaust emissions and significantly lower noise levels than power plants on comparable airplanes.

With a wingspan of 93.4 feet (28.5 meters) and an overall length of 124 feet (37.8 meters), the 717-200 is similar in size and configuration to the DC-9 Series 30, its highly successful predecessor in regional airline service around the world. Basic maximum takeoff weight of the 717-200 will be 114,000 pounds (51,710 kilograms) with an option for a high-gross-weight version at 121,000 pounds (54,884 kilograms). Nonstop range will be up to 2,230 statute miles (1,940 nautical miles -- 3,122 kilometers).

The first 717-200 is scheduled to be delivered to AirTran Airlines in June 1999, after a year-long flight-test program and joint certification by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration and Europe's Joint Airworthiness Authorities. Courtesy: Boeing

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Boeing 717-200 on Target for Rollout

Courtesy: Boeing

LONG BEACH, Calif., March 16, 1998 -- Final assembly of the first Boeing 717-200 test airplane is progressing swiftly toward a May rollout. Work is well under way on two other test airplanes, as well as the first production model, which will be delivered in mid-1999.

The second of two engines has been installed on the first 717-200 test airplane, designated T-1. The advanced BMW/Rolls-Royce BR715 engines feature lower fuel consumption, reduced exhaust emissions and significantly lower noise levels than the power plants on comparable airplanes.

BMW/Rolls-Royce, one of 14 global supplier-partners on the 717 program, builds the BR715 engines in Dahlewitz, Germany. Development engines have completed more than 500 hours of testing, plus a successful 150-hour endurance test.

The program reached another major milestone recently when final-assembly employees pressurized T-1's hydraulics system for the first time. After checking hundreds of connections along a multitude of titanium lines, the workers increased the pressure slowly until it reached 3,000 pounds per square inch.

The test confirmed the integrity of the hydraulic systems for the airplane's flight controls, landing gears and doors, brakes and nose wheel steering.

Across an aisle way from the test airplanes, the first production airplane, designated P-1, is also taking shape. During the past few weeks, workers have lowered the center fuselage barrel onto the wing, marking the beginning of final assembly, and installed the nose section onto the newly joined fuselage. Prior to delivery, P-1 will join the three test airplanes in the flight test program.

In addition, the 717 Airplane Test & Validation team completed the flight-test program plan for the new 100-seat jetliner.

"This plan is a major milestone that shows how we're going to accomplish concurrent United States and European certification," said Jim Phillips, vice president of the 717 program. "The document addresses regulatory, safety and other issues, including the schedule for more than 800 specific tests for all four 717-200 flight-test airplanes." Flight-testing will start after first flight and will be based at the company's facility in Yuma, Ariz.

The 717-200 is produced by the Douglas Products Division of Boeing Commercial Airplane Group. AirTran Airlines is the launch customer for the 717-200 with 50 firm orders and 50 options for the new regional twinjet. Courtesy: Boeing

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Bavaria Becomes Latest Customer For New Boeing 717-200

LONG BEACH, Calif., May 04, 1998 -- Bavaria International Aircraft Leasing Company today became the newest customer for the Boeing 717-200 passenger airliner, with an order for five airplanes.

Bavaria, based in Munich, Germany, will lease the airplanes to operating airlines around the world, with deliveries scheduled in late 1999 and into the year 2000.

The order was disclosed jointly by Robert Salzl, Bavaria's managing director and member of the executive board of the Schorghuber Group, and Ron Woodard, president of Boeing Commercial Airplane Group. Value of the order was not disclosed.

The order makes Bavaria the first 717-200 customer in Europe, the first leasing company to acquire the airplanes and the second announced buyer for the new model after launch customer AirTran Airlines of Orlando, Florida.

"With the Boeing 717-200 model we aim to serve the market niche below the Boeing 737 category as well as above the notably smaller regional-aircraft operation," Salzl said. "We foresee a considerable demand for this type of aircraft, the so-called 100-seater, especially since at present there is no alternative model on the market. The regional airline business, which is presently booming, will be in a position to offer its increasingly demanding customers a very comfortable and economic aircraft. We expect it to meet with much greater market acceptance than the turboprop aircraft still on the market now."

Boeing Commercial Airplane Group's Douglas Products Division in Long Beach is developing the 717 to meet airline needs for efficient, 100-seat transports for regional services where passenger traffic is growing rapidly but does not require larger airplanes.

"We are delighted to have Bavaria as our newest customer for this airplane," Woodard said. "Both our own market research and our customers have confirmed that there is a market for a 100-seat airplane. We also believed from the start that the 717-200 would meet the needs of our European customers. This order confirms that we are going in the right direction."

Karsten Sensen, also managing director of Bavaria, said, "With the 717-200, Boeing offers an aircraft which combines the proven robust design of the Douglas twinjets with modern technology and brand-new engines. The newly developed BMW / Rolls-Royce engines made in Germany offer operational quality with environmentally friendly and economical characteristics. As a German leasing company, we are pleased to support the marketing of a product in which the German industry plays a major role."

The first four 717 airplanes are in final assembly at the Boeing Douglas Products Division in Long Beach, including three instrumented test models and the first production model. Formal rollout of the first airplane is planned for June 10. Customer deliveries will begin in 1999 after completion of the flight-test program and concurrent type certification by airworthiness authorities of the United States and Europe.

Designed for regional services where low cost and high reliability are essential, the 717 is equipped with an advanced-technology cockpit that features the newest in computer-aided flight control, navigation and communications systems.

Two BR715 turbofans, rated at 18,500 pounds takeoff thrust, power the 717. BMW/Rolls-Royce is developing the engines at its Dahlewitz, Germany, facility. An international team of 14 major supplier-partners provides major subassemblies and systems for the airplane. Courtesy: Boeing

Boeing 717-200 Completes Milestones, Draws Customer Interest

LONG BEACH, Calif. , May 14, 1998 -- The Boeing 717-200 has successfully completed ground vibration and pneumatic testing of the first airplane in development, and continues on its path toward a rollout ceremony June 10 and first flight this summer at the Douglas Products Division.

Ground-vibration testing (GVT) was finished in fewer than four days - sooner than expected. "GVT usually takes about 10 days to complete," said Mike Delaney, head of 717 Testing and Validation. "Fortunately, we've experienced a leap in software technology since we last conducted a GVT in 1992. We've benefited by getting a great return on our investment."

GVT uses up to six electromagnetic shakers to record the dynamic responses of 300 accelerometers located throughout the aircraft. The Douglas test team used results to verify vibration modes and frequencies of the first test airplane (T-1), as required for certification by regulatory agencies.

The T-1 airplane has also completed pressure-pit testing, which began on schedule. This testing verifies the pneumatic functions of the airplane, including air conditioning, bleed, and overall air systems.

Meanwhile, more than 30 European airlines and leasing companies attended a Boeing 717 awareness conference last week in Berlin. The objective was to show customers that the 717-200 is the best short-range jetliner on the market today.

"This level of airline response is an encouraging indicator of widespread interest in the 717-200," said Jim Phillips, vice president - 717 program.

Courtesy: Boeing

LONG BEACH, Calif., May 26, 1998 -- Proud participants in the rollout of the Boeing 717-200 in Long Beach, Calif., are (left to right) Phil Condit, Boeing chairman and chief executive officer; Ron Woodard, Boeing Commercial Airplane Group president; Jim Phillips, vice president, 717program; Richard Pearson, Douglas Products Division vice president and general manager and Harry Stonecipher, Boeing president and chief operating officer.

Courtesy: Boeing

10.06.1998: Roll-out der Boeing 717-200.

Courtesy: Boeing

LONG BEACH, Calif., June 10, 1998 -- Boeing Company introduced its newest twinjet, the 717-200, during a lively rollout ceremony today before a crowd of several thousand employees and guests at the company's Douglas Products Division in Long Beach.

"This is a proud moment for Boeing," said Harry Stonecipher, president and chief operating officer. "The 717 is one of the world's newest airplanes, and it truly represents our theme today of 'Bringing People Together'." Stonecipher told the crowd that people from aerospace companies and 16 international supplier-partners have come together to introduce the 21st-century airplane. "And starting next year," he added, "people from many regions will come together as they travel aboard the new Boeing 717 for the first time."

Launched in October 1995 as the MD-95, the airplane was re-designated the Boeing 717 after the August 1997 merger of Boeing and McDonnell Douglas. The 717 was launched with 50 firm orders and 50 options from AirTran Airlines.

"As the launch customer, the value of the 717-200 will enable us to thrive in the 21st century," said D. Joseph Corr, president and chief executive officer of AirTran. "In a decade when airfares have been rising, the 717-200 gives AirTran what it needs to continue providing affordable fares."

Last month, Bavaria International Aircraft Leasing Company of Munich, Germany, became the first European customer for the plane with firm orders for five 717-200s.

The 717-200 is designed to meet airlines' needs for a cost-effective, 100-passenger transport to serve high-frequency or low-traffic short-to-medium-range routes in the growing regional market. It will meet replacement and expansion needs in the 100-seat category, potentially numbering thousands of airplanes.

Two advanced BMW/Rolls-Royce BR715 high-bypass ratio engines power the 717. The engine is rated at 18,500 to 21,000 pounds of takeoff thrust, with lower fuel consumption, and significantly lower noise and emission levels than the power plants on comparable airplanes.

The two-crew flight deck incorporates the industry's most modern and proven avionics technology. It is configured around six liquid crystal display units and advanced Honeywell VIA 2000 computer systems, similar to those in other new Boeing jetliners.

The 717's spacious, all-new passenger cabin, features five-across coach-class seating, illuminated handrails and large overhead stowage bins.

Five airplanes are in final assembly at the Douglas Products Division in Long Beach. First flight of the 717 is expected in September. Deliveries to customers are scheduled to begin in the summer of 1999, following the flight-test and certification program. Courtesy: Boeing

02.09.1998: Erstflug der Boeing 717-200.

Courtesy: Boeing

Pressemitteilung:

LONG BEACH, Calif., Sept. 02, 1998 -- The 717-200, Boeing Commercial Airplane Group's newest 100-seat jetliner, flew for the first time today. A cheering crowd of employees, suppliers and customers -- along with Internet viewers around the world -- watched as the short-range twinjet took to the skies.

Painted in Boeing red, white and blue colors, the 717-200 took off at 12:35 p.m. from the Long Beach Municipal Airport, located near the company's Long Beach Division.

At the controls were Capts. Ralph Luczak and Tom Melody, who flew the airplane west toward Santa Catalina Island, located off the California coast. Also on board was Will Gibbons, the 717-200 flight-test conductor. After the airplane flew over Catalina, it headed southeast toward Arizona before landing at the Boeing flight test center in Yuma, Ariz.

During the four hour, seven minute flight Luczak, Melody and Gibbons performed a series of tests on the airplane's engines, control surfaces and systems. The crew transmitted both verbal and recorded data back in real-time to flight test personnel in the Flight Operations and Test Center at the Long Beach Division.

The 717-200 is designed to replace the thousands of airplanes now in service in the 100-seat market and to meet the needs of fleet expansion during the next 20 years.

Wednesday's flight officially marked the beginning of the 717-200's flight-test and type certification program. Four airplanes will be used in the program; three of the airplanes will carry flight instruments and the fourth, a customer production model, will have a complete AirTran interior. The customer production model will be used to evaluate the function and reliability of equipment that is used during revenue flight, such as galleys and the air conditioning system. Testing will be based at the company's Yuma facility over the next nine months, followed by concurrent certification by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration and Europe's Joint Airworthiness Authority in the third quarter of 1999.

The 717 was originally launched in October 1995 as the MD-95, with an order for 50 airplanes and 50 options from AirTran Airways located in Orlando, Fla. AirTran is scheduled to receive its first 717 after the airplane is certified. The first European customer for the airplane is Bavaria International Aircraft Company, based in Munich, Germany.

Currently, five other 717-200s are in various stages of final assembly. The first airplane rolled out of the factory on June 10, 1998.

Based on the famed DC-9 durable airframe, the 717 features new engines, new flight deck and other modern systems, new interior and enhanced performance. A global team of 16 major supplier-partners in the United States and eight nations in Asia and Europe are working as members of the Boeing team in building the 717. Courtesy: Boeing

26.10.1998: Erstflug des zweiten Prototyps.

Pressemitteilung:

Boeing 717-200 Enters Flight Test Program

LONG BEACH, Calif., Oct. 27, 1998 -- The second Boeing 717-200 - the only new 100-seat airplane currently in production - entered the company's flight test and certification program yesterday after taking off for the first time from the Long Beach Municipal Airport.

Filled with flight test equipment, the 717-200 lifted off the runway at 11:43 a.m. and landed one hour and 20 minutes later at the Boeing facility in Yuma, Ariz. At the controls were pilots Capts. Randy Wyatt and Lee Johnson, assisted by test conductor Patrick Nightingale. Duncan Steele of BMW Rolls-Royce, the 717-200 engine manufacturer, also was on board.

The crew performed production flight procedures and assorted avionics tests. The airplane will be used to develop and certify the 717-200's avionics systems.

The first 717-200, also undergoing flight testing in Yuma, flew for the first time on Sept. 2, 1998. Since then it has made 55 flights totaling more than 100 hours. The airplane has reached a maximum speed of Mach 0.8 (531 mph) and an altitude of 35,000 feet. A third 717-200 with test equipment is due to join the flight-test program in December, followed by the first production customer model next February. Deliveries are scheduled to start in mid-1999.

With a standard arrangement of 106 seats, the 717-200 fits a growing worldwide airplane market that demands full-size jetliner comfort, low operating costs and high reliability. The 717-200 was designed specifically for airlines operating numerous daily flights of 300 to 500 miles, on short runways and with fast turnarounds at airport gates.

A global team of suppliers in the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia and the Middle East are working with Boeing to produce the 717-200.

Courtesy: Boeing

Boeing To Showcase 717-200 At Airshow China '98

ZHUHAI, China, Nov. 17, 1998 -- The Boeing Company is highlighting its newest twinjet, the 717-200, during Airshow China '98. Promotion of the airplane is part of a show exhibit featuring the Commercial Airplanes product line.

"The 717-200 is ideally suited for China's growing regional market" said Ray Bracy, president - Boeing China. "It will add diversity to a fleet mix and provide operators the flexibility they need when adapting to changing market conditions."

Launched in October 1995 as the MD-95, the airplane was designated the Boeing 717-200 shortly after the merger of McDonnell Douglas Corp. and The Boeing Company. AirTran Airlines is the 717-200 launch customer and will take delivery of the first 717-200s in the summer of 1999.

With a standard arrangement of 106 seats, the 717-200 fits a growing worldwide airplane market that demands full-size jetliner comfort, low operating costs and high reliability. It meets the airlines' needs for a 100-passenger transport to serve high-frequency or low-traffic, short-to-medium-range routes.

"Airlines will recognize the value of the 717-200 and the high returns it will generate for them," said Bracy. "The flying public will appreciate the convenience and comfort of jet travel on routes that were previously serviced by propeller transports."

The 717-200's spacious, all-new passenger cabin features five-across economy-class seating, illuminated overhead handrails and large stowage bins.

Flight deck features in the 717-200 include an electronic instrument system, a dual Flight Management System and Global Positioning System. It is configured around six liquid crystal display units and advanced Honeywell VIA 2000 computer systems, similar to those in other new Boeing jetliners.

Two advanced BMW/Rolls-Royce BR715 high-bypass ratio engines power the 717-200. The engine is rated at 18,500 to 21,000 pounds of takeoff thrust, with lower fuel consumption and significantly lower noise and emission levels than the power plants on comparable airplanes.

The 717-200 flew Sept. 2 for the first time. The second 717-200 entered the flight test and certification program October 26. To date, the first plane has made more than 60 flights and the second has recorded over 20 flights. A third plane is due to join the test program in December. There are currently five customer-production planes in final assembly. Courtesy: Boeing

09.12.1998: TWA gibt im Zusammenhang einer Großbestellung einen Auftrag über fünfzig 717-200 und 50 Optionen bekannt.

Pressemitteilung:

TWA to Continue Fleet Renewal with Boeing 717-200s

SEATTLE, Dec. 09, 1998 -- Trans World Airlines (TWA) chose the Boeing 717-200 to replace its older DC-9 fleet after an extensive analysis of all available airplane models. The airline today announced plans to acquire 50 Boeing 717-200s and purchase rights for an additional 50.

"The new 717s will upgrade and replace the DC-9, offering improved range and payload characteristics in a state-of-the-art, environmentally friendly new aircraft," said Gerald L. Gitner, TWA chairman and chief executive officer. "TWA expects the 717-200 to deliver a 35 percent operating cost advantage over the DC-9."

"We couldn't be more pleased that TWA chose the 717 for its high-frequency routes," said Alan Mulally, Commercial Airplanes president. "This decision is particularly meaningful to us because TWA looked at all its options, and ultimately they chose the 717-200 for its low operating costs and the overall value it provides."

Two 717-200s are currently in a flight test and certification program at the Boeing facility in Yuma, Ariz. Combined, the two airplanes have recorded more than 300 flight hours with very positive performance results. A third airplane is due to enter flight testing this month.

The quiet and efficient BR715 turbofan, rated at 18,500 to 21,000lb thrust, was awarded certification by the Federal Aviation Administration in September. The BR715 is the only new-generation engine in its class available today.

The Boeing Company projects a market for approximately 2,100 jetliners in the 90-120 seat category over the next 20 years. For airlines focused on competitive, low-cost operations, the 717-200 has a significant advantage. Operating and maintenance costs are expected to be approximately 25 percent lower than existing and proposed airplanes in its class.

Today's announcement further cements a 65-year relationship between Boeing and TWA. Over the years, TWA has operated planes ranging from the DC-1 in the 1930s to today's full fleet of modern jetliners including the 747 the 767 and MD-80.

To date, TWA has ordered 340 jetliners from Boeing. In 1999, the airline will receive, on average, a new Boeing aircraft every 10 days. By the end of 1999, TWA will have replaced at least 42 percent of its fleet since 1996. Courtesy: Boeing

16.12.1998: Erstflug des dritten Prototyps.

Pressemitteilung:

Third Boeing 717-200 Joins Flight Test Program

LONG BEACH, Calif., Dec. 16, 1998 -- The third Boeing 717-200 entered the company's flight test and certification program today after taking off for the first time from Long Beach Municipal Airport.

At the controls were pilots Capts. Fred Hamilton and Mike Stevens, along with test engineers Madelene Vega and Gerald Prendergast. The 717-200, filled with flight test equipment, lifted off the runway at 8:36 a.m. and landed two hours and 30 minutes later at the Boeing facility in Yuma, Ariz.

Boeing will use this airplane to test how well the 717-200 performs while taking off, and during cruising and landing. It also will be used to certify the airplane's performance and systems, and evaluate pilot workload and type rating.

The 717-200 is the only new 100-seat airplane currently in production. The first 717-200 flew for the first time on Sept. 2, 1998, and the second flew this year on Oct. 26. Both airplanes are generating an increasing number of development flight hours. As of Dec. 15, they have recorded a total of 193 flights and 361 hours. The first customer model, with a complete interior, is scheduled to fly next February. Six production airplanes are now in final assembly at the Long Beach Division. Deliveries are due to begin in mid-1999.

With a standard arrangement of 106 seats, the 717-200 fits a growing worldwide airplane market that demands full-size comfort, low operating and maintenance costs, and high reliability. The 717-200 was designed specifically for airlines operating numerous daily flights of 300 to 500 miles, on short runways, and with fast turnarounds at airport gates. A global team of suppliers in the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia and the Middle East are working with Boeing to produce the 717-200. Courtesy: Boeing

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