The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] announced today that it has finalized a firm
order from Midwest Express Airlines for 25 Boeing 717-200 airplanes with
options for an additional 25. Midwest Express, ranked the No. 1 domestic airline
by the 2001 Zagat Airline Survey, announced in April of last year
its intent to order 20 717s for its long-term fleet modernization
program.
The estimated list value of the firm order for 25 717s is $940
million, with monthly deliveries scheduled to begin in February
2003 and continue into 2005. Total firm orders for the Boeing 717
are now 162, including this new order. The 717 has more firm orders than any other jetliner in its class, validating Boeing's
December 2001 decision to commit to the airplane following a detailed economic
and market evaluation.
"This order is a huge vote of confidence in the capabilities of
the 717 airplane," said Toby Bright, Boeing Commercial Airplanes
executive vice president - Sales. "Finalizing this order -- in
fact, increasing both the number of airplanes ordered and the rate
of delivery -- shows faith that the 717 is the right airplane for
Midwest Express' long-term business plans."
Midwest Express, based in Milwaukee, initiated revenue service in
1984 and currently operates a fleet of 35 airplanes, including 23
DC-9s and 12 MD-80 airplanes. In 2000, Midwest Express carried
2.1 million passengers. The airline will use its new 717s to expand capacity on existing routes, to launch new
service to cities not currently served and eventually to replace existing
DC-9s.The Midwest Express 717s will have 88 seats.
"Acquiring the Boeing 717 aircraft is another significant step in
our efforts to enhance our brand by emphasizing our professional,
attentive and comfortable product and service," said Timothy
Hoeksema, chairman and chief executive officer, Midwest Express
Airlines. "Speeding up delivery has many benefits because it will
allow us to replace our DC-9 fleet more quickly with state-of-the-
art, more fuel-efficient aircraft."
The Boeing 717-200 is the only new 100-passenger short-range
jetliner in revenue service today. It makes effective use of the
latest technology, resulting in low operating costs. The 717 produces the lowest noise and emissions,
offering big-jet passenger comfort and breakthrough simplicity in design. Two
advanced Rolls-Royce BR715 engines power the 717, making it the
quietest airplane in its class.
"This is a great match: an award-winning airline choosing the best
short-range, high frequency 100-passenger airplane in the world,"
Bright said. "The 717 is going to provide the high value to Midwest Express that it is demonstrating with
other airlines around the world."
Since taking to the skies in 1984, Midwest Express Airlines has
earned its reputation for "the best care in the air" by providing
passengers premium service at competitive fares. The airline is
known for offering passengers personal attention, two-across, wide
leather seats, fine food served on china with complimentary wine
or champagne, and baked-onboard chocolate chip cookies on select
flights.
Midwest Express Airlines, which caters to business travelers,
features primarily nonstop service to major destinations throughout the United States. Astral
Aviation, Inc. -- its wholly owned subsidiary -- operates Skyway Airlines, The
Midwest Express Connection, which offers connections to Midwest Express as
well as point-to-point service between select markets. Together, the
airlines fly to 50 cities. |
