AirTran Airways Increases Boeing 717 Fleet by 23 airplanes

AirTran Airways has signed an agreement with Boeing Capital Corporation to lease 23 additional 717-200 jetliners. All the airplanes are scheduled to be delivered by Boeing in 2003.

"The 717's durable design and advanced technology combine to make it an exceptionally efficient aircraft to fly," said Joe Leonard, chairman and CEO of AirTran Airways. "With its greater operating efficiencies, excellent reliability and overwhelming passenger acceptance, the 717 plays a key role in keeping costs low at AirTran Airways."

From its hub at Hartsfield Atlanta International Airport, AirTran Airways provides 388 daily flights to 40 cities throughout the eastern United States. The low-cost carrier was the launch customer of the 717 and is the largest operator of the airplane.

AirTran Airways has received 46 of the modern twinjets to date and, by the end of 2003, will have one of the youngest fleets in the world.

AirTran Airways' 717s are configured to carry 117 passengers in big jet comfort. The 717 is the world's best-selling airplane in its class, with the most orders of any new airplane in the 100-seat market. 

The 717 is built especially for low-cost and reliable short-haul, high-frequency service.

Boeing Capital Corporation is a global, full-service provider of financial solutions. An indirect wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Company, it offers asset-backed lending and leasing, concentrating on assets that are critical to the core operations of its customers.