2000

Am 06.01.2000 erhält Olympic Aviation zwei von Bavaria geleaste Boeing 717, gleichzeitig erste Lieferung nach Europa.

LONG BEACH, Calif., Jan. 07, 2000 -- Athens-based Olympic Aviation will be the first operator of the Boeing 717-200 in Europe after taking delivery of two of the quiet, clean twinjets on January 6. The airline plans to expand service regionally with operations from Thessaloniki to Amsterdam, Berlin, Brussels, Munich, Paris, Stuttgart, and Larnaca, Cyprus. Olympic is leasing the airplanes from Bavaria International Aircraft Leasing Company.

TWA führte ihre B717 am 02.03.2000 auf den Strecken ab St. Louis nach Dallas/Fort Worth und Minneapolis ein. TWA plante, mit der B717 die restlichen zehn B727-200Adv. und die 29 DC-9-30 zu ersetzen.

SEATTLE, March 02, 2000 -- Hawaiian Airlines has signed a definitive agreement for 13 Boeing 717-200 twinjets, with rights to purchase another seven airplanes, The Boeing Company confirmed today. The order is valued at approximately $430 million.

Boeing and Hawaiian Airlines announced in Sept. 1999 that the airline had signed a letter of intent to purchase the airplanes, plus options. The signing announcement today formalized that decision.

Delivery of the first Hawaiian 717 will be in February 2001, with the remainder scheduled in the same year. The 717s will replace Hawaiian's 15 DC-9s and will join 13 DC-10s, maintaining the carrier's commitment to flying an all-Boeing fleet.

"The 717 is an excellent airplane for our inter-island routes," said Paul J. Casey, Hawaiian's president and chief executive officer. "We are confident passengers will enjoy the comfort and innovative features that make travel on the 717 the ultimate flying experience."

Hawaiian Airlines will configure its new airplanes to carry 123 passengers - eight in first class and 115 in economy.

"The 717 is the perfect airplane for the quick turnaround, high frequency short haul market," said Doug Groseclose, Boeing Commercial Airplanes Group vice president - South Asia/Pacific, Africa, and Middle East Sales. "We are excited about the value that this newest member of the Boeing family will bring to Hawaiian Airlines and the people of Hawaii. The 717 has the latest technology and is an environmentally friendly airplane".

The Honolulu-based carrier was established in 1929 and celebrated its 70th anniversary in November 1999. Hawaiian Airlines is the largest airline based in Hawaii, and serves 14 domestic and international destinations in the Pacific region.

The Boeing 717 twinjet is a cost-effective airplane designed specifically to serve quick-turnaround, high-frequency, short-range routes. Boeing delivered 12 717s in 1999. There are currently 143 orders for the 717, including the Hawaiian order and airplanes already delivered to customers.

Am 11.04.2000 wird bekannt, daß sich Impulse Airlines für die 717 entschieden hat.

SYDNEY, Australia, April 11, 2000 -- The Boeing Company today announced that Impulse Airlines will take delivery of five new Boeing 717-200s, becoming the first operator in Australia to fly the 717-200s.

Impulse, a New South Wales-based regional airline, will lease three airplanes from Bavaria International Aircraft Leasing Co., and two from Pembroke Capital Ltd. They will be the first 717s in the South Pacific region.

The first of the new 717s is due in Australia at the end of this month. The fleet quickly will increase to five airplanes by the end of the year.

"We believe the Boeing 717 delivers the best combination of airline economics and passenger comfort," said Gerry McGowan, executive chairman of Impulse Airlines Pty Ltd. "The 717 is perfect for our route requirements, and plans for quick turnaround times. We also expect substantial benefits from operating a fleet of brand-new airplanes. "

"Impulse has made a good decision to use the 717 to launch trunk route service," said Doug Groseclose, Boeing Commercial Airplanes Group vice president - South Asia/Pacific, Africa, and Middle East Sales. "Around the world, we see the 717 is increasingly the airplane of choice for efficient short-haul airlines."

The 717 features the latest technology in engines and flight-deck systems for its two-person crew. It also offers a spacious interior design with extra-large overhead stowbins, and illuminated, full-grip handrails. Impulse plans an all-economy 117-seat interior in five-abreast configuration.

The flight deck incorporates the industry's most modern and proven avionics technology, configured around six interchangeable liquid crystal display units similar to those on the 737 and 777.

The Boeing 717 twinjet is a cost-effective airplane designed to serve quick-turnaround, high-frequency, short-range routes.

Launch customer AirTran Airways took delivery of the first 717-200 on Sept. 23, 1999. Other operators of the 717 include Trans World Airlines and Olympic Aviation. Bavaria International Aircraft Leasing Co., Pembroke Capital Ltd., Trans World Airlines, and Hawaiian Airlines have announced additional 717 orders. To date, there are 143 orders for the 717. Courtesy: Boeing

Am 13.04.2000 wird bekannt, daß sich AeBal für die Boeing 717 entschieden hat und drei Flugzeuge fest bestellte und Optionen für weitere 17 Exemplare vereinbarte.

BERLIN, April 14, 2000 -- Boeing Company President and Chief Operating Officer, Harry C. Stonecipher today congratulated Aerolineas Baleares (AB) for selecting the Boeing 717-200. AB, a subsidiary of Spanair in Spain has announced its intention to purchase three Boeing 717-200 airplanes with options for up to another 17 airplanes. Deliveries of the airplanes are scheduled to begin in June this year.

"We are pleased to welcome AB to the growing family of 717 operators. The 717-200 is a truly global jetliner, with many European suppliers," said Stonecipher during a visit to Rolls-Royce Deutschland, the exclusive manufacturer of the 717 engine. "The exceptionally quiet and efficient engines, manufactured here in Dahlewitz, show the importance of German technology on this airplane. The fuselage is built in Italy and other parts come from Spain, Austria, the United Kingdom and France."

Earlier this month, Spanair announced its launch of AB and its plans to connect the Balearic Islands with the mainland. Future plans include key domestic routes in Spain, and international flights.

"The 717 is an excellent airplane to connect important Spanish cities such as Palma de Mallorca and Valencia, Alicante, Ibiza and Mahon," said Gonzalo Pascual, chairman of Spanair. "We intend to upgrade the level of service between the Balearic Islands and the mainland, currently served by smaller airplanes, and we are confident passengers will prefer the comfort and innovative features of the 717."

The Boeing 717 twinjet is a cost-effective airplane that is specifically designed to serve high-frequency, short-range routes. It is the quietest jetliner in the world, and features big jet comfort. Originally launched as the MD-95 in October 1995, the airplane was designated the Boeing 717 following the merger of McDonnell Douglas and The Boeing Company in 1997.

The 717 is similar in size and configuration to the DC-9 Series 30, its highly successful predecessor that continues to offer regional airline service around the world. Maximum nonstop range goes up to 1,750 statute miles (1,521 n.mi./2,817 km).

Two advanced Rolls Royce 715 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 717 flight-test program began in September 1998 and was successfully completed in August 1999. The 717 is the first commercial airplane to receive a Concurrent and Cooperative Certification from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration and Europe's Joint Aviation Authorities.

SEATTLE, April 25, 2000 -- The Boeing Company today announced that Bangkok Airways will take delivery of two new Boeing 717-200s, making it the first carrier in Asia to commit to operating the economical, short-range twinjet.

Bangkok Airways will lease the two 717s from Pembroke Capital Ltd. The first airplane is scheduled for delivery in October this year. It will begin regular service in November on routes connecting Thailand to various tourist destinations in Southeast Asia such as Angkor Wat, Cambodia, Luang Prabang, Laos, and Singapore.

Bangkok Airways is one of the first private airlines in Thailand and is the first carrier to construct its own airports - Samui and Sukhothai - to accommodate passenger preference and convenience.

"The 717s will help us usher in a new era of regional travel, especially in Southeast Asia," said Dr. Prasert Prasartong-Osoth, president and CEO - Bangkok Airways. "The new airplanes will allow us to provide our passengers with superior comfort and convenience."

The 717 features a spacious interior design with extra-large overhead stowbins, and illuminated, full-grip handrails. The airplane also offers a proven durable airframe with the latest technology in engines and flight-deck systems for its two-person crew. The 717 is the quietest airplane in its class. The carrier will configure the 717s to carry 125 passengers.

"Bangkok Airways has been a leader in providing passengers with exceptional service to exotic destinations in Southeast Asia," said Ray Conner, vice president - Asia/Pacific Sales. "With the 717s, the airline will continue in that tradition with a higher level of technological advancement and efficiency."

The Boeing 717 is a simple, cost-effective airplane that is specifically designed to serve quick-turnaround, high-frequency airline markets. The airplane has accumulated a total of 143 firm orders, including airplanes already delivered to customers in the United States and Europe.

LONG BEACH, Calif., May 25, 2000 -- The Boeing Company has lowered the 717-200's take-off and landing weights, giving the world's best 100 seat airplane a new level of competitive performance that translates into improved operating economics for airlines.

"We have essentially resized the airplane," said Rolf Sellge, director, 717 Product Marketing, Boeing Commercial Airplanes Group, during a news media teleconference today.

Maximum take-off gross weight has decreased from 114,000 lb. (51,710 kg) to 110,000 lb. (49,895 kg), and maximum landing weight has declined from 102,000 lb. (46,265 kg) to 100,000 lb. (45,359 kg) - while increasing the airplane's original pre-flight test range by 50 nautical miles. "This was made possible by better airplane performance," Sellge said.

The 717's fuel burn has declined eight percent from pre-flight test estimates, which equals 2,000 lb. (907 kg), and its empty weight has dropped 1,450 lb. (658 kg). Also, Boeing rules were changed to more accurately reflect 717-type short-range missions, reducing the operator item weight by 1,200 lb. (544 kg). Fuel saved from the lighter airplane has reduced another 550 lb. (249 kg).

"Adding it all up, the 717 now is using 10 percent less fuel and is nearly 5,000 pounds (2,268 kg) lighter than originally predicted," Sellge said. "This results in a huge savings for airlines at today's fuel price of one dollar per gallon."

The 717's lower operating weight also reduces expensive navigation and landing fees.

"The bottom line is that airlines will save up to 3.5 percent in cash operating cost," Sellge said. "This makes the 717 an even more formidable competitor." Courtesy: Boeing

FARNBOROUGH, England, July 27, 2000 -- The Boeing Company today confirmed airplane orders by Turkmenistan Airlines

Turkmenistan Airlines has signed a definitive agreement for three Boeing 717-200 jetliners.

Delivery of the first Turkmenistan 717 will be in July 2001, continuing through October 2001.

"The 717 is an excellent airplane as we continue with our plan to replace Russian-built aircraft with Boeing airplanes," said Ilyas Berdiev, chief executive of Turkmenistan Airlines. "We are confident passengers will enjoy the comfort and innovative features that make travel on the 717 a great flying experience."

Turkmenistan Airlines will configure its new airplanes to carry 110 passengers in a mixed-class configuration -- 55 in business-class and 55 passengers in economy class.

"The 717 is the perfect airplane for the quick turnaround, high frequency, short haul market," said Seddik Belyamani, executive vice president - Sales and Marketing, Boeing Commercial Airplanes Group. "We are excited about the value that this newest member of the Boeing family will bring to Turkmenistan Airlines and the people of Turkmenistan. The 717 includes the latest technology and is one of the most environmentally friendly airplanes."

The order is part of Turkmenistan Airlines' plan to modernize its fleet with Boeing jetliners. The initial implementation of the plan took place in 1992 when Turkmenistan Airlines became the first airline in the Commonwealth of Independent States to purchase an airplane from Boeing.

The Boeing 717 twinjet is designed specifically for the short-range market, offering fuel-efficient operations for airlines and big-jet comfort for passengers. Boeing delivered 12 717s in 1999 and 13 thus far in 2000. There are currently 149 orders for the 717, including the Turkmenistan order and airplanes already delivered to customers. Courtesy: Boeing

SEATTLE, Oct. 12, 2000 -- Today AirTran Airways celebrated its first year of operating the Boeing 717, the world's newest single-aisle airplane designed for short-haul, high-frequency routes. The 717's performance has far exceeded AirTran's expectations in fuel efficiency, avionics systems and customer satisfaction.

"The 717 has helped us to save millions of dollars in fuel costs in its first year of service," said Joe Leonard, AirTran Airways' chairman and CEO. "We anticipated 18 percent better fuel efficiency versus the DC-9, but the 717 is actually averaging 24 percent increased efficiency. In a time of skyrocketing fuel costs, we feel very fortunate to have invested in such an efficient and technologically advanced aircraft."

Boeing delivered the first 717 to launch customer AirTran on Sept. 24, 1999. AirTran entered the plane into service on Oct. 12 on its Atlanta-Washington, D.C., route.

AirTran placed an order for 50 717s in 1995. The purchase took place two years after the company was founded, making AirTran the youngest airline in history to be the launch customer for a new airplane. Thirteen 717s are in revenue service with AirTran today, with the balance scheduled for delivery through 2003.

"One of the best indicators of the success of this new aircraft, and the positive image it lends AirTran Airways, is the excellent feedback we've received from our passengers," Leonard said. "From the spacious interior to our large EasyFit carry-on storage bins, our passengers have noticed the difference."

The 717 is designed specifically for efficient short-hop service, short-field operations and fast turnaround at airport gates. It can sustain eight to 12 one-hour flights every day, day after day. The airplane can easily serve routes in the short-haul regional market.

"We are pleased to share this first anniversary of Boeing 717 service with AirTran Airways," said Jim Phillips, Boeing vice president-general manager, Long Beach Division and 717 Program. "We have continued to work closely with AirTran during this first year to ensure we have indeed created the most advanced and fuel efficient airplane for AirTran and all of its customers."

The Boeing 717 is positioned in the heart of the 90- to 110-seat regional market, which is projected to require 3,000 airplanes over the next 20 years.

Bangkok Airways First Boeing 717-200 Readied For Flight Home

Courtesy: Boeing

SEATTLE, Nov. 09, 2000 -- Bangkok Airways' first Boeing 717-200 begins its journey home today following a special delivery ceremony in Long Beach, Calif. This event marks another milestone for Bangkok Airways, as it becomes the first Asian carrier to take delivery of the 717-200.

On hand for the delivery ceremony were Marc Kirner, vice president of Maintenance and Engineering - Bangkok Airways; Brian Tulmulty, chief technical officer - Pembroke Capital, Ltd.; James Phillips, vice president of the Long Beach Division and 717 Program - Boeing Commercial Airplanes Group; and other representatives from the three companies.

The new airplane, featuring Bangkok Airways' new and distinctive tropical livery, is the first of two 717 airplanes to be delivered to Bangkok Airways, under lease from Pembroke Capital Ltd. Bangkok Airways' second 717 is scheduled for delivery in April 2001.

Bangkok Airways is known throughout Southeast Asia as the first privatized airline in Thailand. It is also the first carrier in Thailand to construct and operate its own airports at two of the country's most spectacular tourist destinations, the pristine island of Samui and the culturally historic city of Sukhothai.

"For many years, Bangkok Airways has carried passengers to places other airlines do not," Kirner said. "Now we are able to provide that service with even better comfort and convenience than ever before."

The 717 provides big-jet comfort and features a spacious interior design with extra-large overhead stowbins, and illuminated, full-grip handrails. It is the quietest airplane in its class, and offers the latest technology in engines and flight-deck systems.

"We are privileged and proud to have Bangkok Airways as the first 717 operator in Asia," Phillips said. "The airline is an industry leader in many ways. Bangkok Airways' selection of the 717 as its first jetliner, is certainly a vote of confidence in the quality and reliability of our product from a new and valued customer."

The Boeing 717 twinjet is a cost-effective 100-seat airplane that is specifically designed to serve high-frequency, short-range routes. It is ideally suited to operate on the regional routes connecting Thailand to tourist destinations in Southeast Asia, such as Angkor Wat in Cambodia, Luang Prabang in Laos, and Singapore. Courtesy: Boeing

SEATTLE, Dec. 01, 2000 -- The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Europe's Joint Aviation Authorities (JAA) have certified the Boeing 717-200's first major upgrade to the airplane's flight control computer and flight management system.

Both regulatory agencies certified the changes on Oct. 20, 2000, after a rigorous 12-month follow-on program at the Boeing Long Beach Division. Initial certification of the short-range twinjet occurred in September 1999.

"The 717 has gained an outstanding reputation for offering one of the most advanced flight decks in the Boeing fleet," said Terry Beezhold, director of the 717 Forward Cabin Integration Team. "The upgrade we have certified will help make the aircraft even better, including boosting its dispatch reliability, which has recently exceeded the program goal."

All functions originally envisioned for the airplane's Flight Management and Autoflight systems now have been certified.

The updated Flight Management System (FMS) now includes Global Positioning System capability, fuel predictions, and vertical guidance. These features provide optimal fuel burn and automatic control to a vertical path. The vertical path is constructed using airplane performance data stored in the onboard computers. The FMS also calculates take-off Vspeeds - the airspeed at which airplanes rotate or lift off the ground - eliminating the need for the flight crew to review charts and manually enter the information.

A data link function has been added to enable digital flight planning communications between the airplane and ground air traffic control and airline operational control.

Autoflight System updates include a reactive windshear function to help flight crews detect and escape this potentially hazardous condition. A Category lllb autoland capability, allowing an airplane to land when visibility is extremely limited, is also available.

Chuck Finazzo, project leader of the follow-on certification, said the upgrade package also contains other improvements and customer requested changes based on customer inputs received during the first six months of revenue service.

AirTran Airways, the launch customer, began 717-passenger service in October 1999. Other current operators include Aerolineas Baleares, Impulse Airlines, Olympic Aviation, and Trans World Airlines. Courtesy: Boeing