Originally Posted by
mvonherr
It's been my understanding that Boeing (through Boeing Capital Leasing) has ended up owning almost all of the 717's in operation.
When WN let out they really weren't interested in the 717 long term, and then shortly after announced a giant order, I always assumed that Boeing taking the 717s back would be part of the deal.
Boeing isn't going to want to sit on them, so they will be offering someone a sweetheart deal. Certainly would make sense as a replacement for DC9s and MD88s. AA would be the only other place without enough older MD88s to replace, but it seems like they had already ordered enough 737s to replace all their MD-88s, so that certainly wouldn't be a long term deal for Boeing. Delta would probably hold onto them longer.
Anywhere else, you would probably have to find multiple lessees.
I've always liked the 2 side of 2-3, of course pitch can ruin any setup.
The only real issue I see with the 717 is that its smaller. But remember Delta is expanding its LaGuardia Hub and it used to fly those DC9-30s.
Someone said this:
"If the 717 is only 100 seats, where does Airtran put the 17 other people they sell seats to?"
I said it depends on configuration and I was just pointing out that seat capacity assuming all airlines configured it the same would mean the 717 would be smaller than existing jets.
However don't forget Delta used to have DC9-30's.
McDonnell Douglas DC-9-30 1992/2010*** Boeing 737-200 (1992) and CRJ-700/CRJ900/Embraer-175/DC-9-50(2010)
McDonnell Douglas DC-9-40 2011 CRJ-700/CRJ900/Embraer-175/DC-9-50
Considering Delta is a larger carrier than Southwest which flies a lot more routes and expanded their Metro NYC footprint with a bigger fleet and considering the 717 has commonality with the DC9's, MD80s and MD90s, the 717 makes sense for Delta.
So I see this deal as something very likely to happen and good for consumers and the business model alike.
Delta needs to better realign planes to what their needs are and they know this better than I do but the 717 definitely will fit into the plan.
Some are saying the MD88's will be equipped with a new EFIS Cockpit.
So it looks like MD88's will still be around and its unclear if the 717 will replace DC9-50's and some MD88's and/or regional jets in the future.
In a few years I do believe we will see where the 717's are flying for Delta but it does indeed seem like this deal is the real thing.
Stand corrected: I thought the 717 had communality with the DC and MD80/MD90s but apparently it doesn't.
Also the Midwest planes were grounded in 1999 and have been parked in the desert and Delta could have gotten access to them and yet decided not to.
So will Delta take the exmidwest planes from the desert and fly them in a big one shot deal taking over the AirTran + ex Midwest fleets?