Delta has a deal in place to take 717-fleet of AirTran/Southwest

[IberiaMD-87]

There is a tweet of „Planebusiness“ with the information that „our sources“ can confirm that „Delta has a deal in place“ for the entire Boeing 717-fleet of AirTran/Southwest. This would be a highly interesting development.

Just a reminder: it is a rumour but this time it seems that there is the possibility that something´s going on behind the curtain.

Bye

[AA 1818]

Well, if it did happen, it would be a highly logical move.

The 717s are perfect for an ATL hub, in that most of the entire Eastern sea board, as well as major swaths of the Midwest and Southwest are within reach.

The 717s would be an ample replacement for the older DC9s and MD80s, and transitions from one type to another would be incredibly easy. The aircraft would be mainline services rather than expanded RJ/Partner Airline operations.

The 717s are already configured with a business class seating arrangement, which would have to be ditched if the aircraft were placed into the WN fleet.

I hope to see the 717s remain in use, and perhaps this is the best approach. In either event, the irony is hilarious...

[IberiaMD-87]

Well said! There are many advantages for Delta, Southwest and Boeing.
The irony is historically really hilarious.

Bye

[CathayPacific]

The 717 would actually be an ideal replacement of the remaining DC9-50. MDC designed the MD95 with NWA's DC9 replacement requirement in mind and had always seen NWA as MD95's most probably customer. The sale fell thru. I guess MDC was trying to sell the plane to NWA 10 years too early. They didn't realize that there were still life to be squeezed out from the DC9s.

Delta is in a sweet spot here. It apparently had learned from the MD90 experience, where it can snap up every single MD90 in the world at a dirt cheap price, while the type is still fairly young and modern. The 717 is going to be the same. No one wants the type. Eventually Delta will be able to get all the 717s in operations at very attractive price, but these MD90s and 717s still have 20+ years of life ahead. With over 100 MD90s and 717s, Delta can achieve economies of scale with the types, even it means it will need to operate multiple incompatible types (737, A320, MD80, MD90, 717) of 150-seat aircraft to satisfy its capacity requirement, it will still come out as a winner.

[Foxtrot]

If this happens-sweet! Long live T-tailed rear-engined twinjets! I hope it does, I haven't had the chance to fly in either jet yet. This should be pretty interesting to watch, that's for sure.

[IberiaMD-87]

@CathayPacific: well written.

@Foxtrot: Yes. It would be a nice scenario to see MD-88s, MD-90s and Boeing 717s (MD-95) side by side at Delta. I think that you would pleased in an MD. 5-abreast seating (fewer middle-seats) and the cabins are quieter (except for the last rows due to the engines). Another advantage are the larger windows compared to other aircraft of this size.

Bye

[Foxtrot]

^I agree. I have flown in the 82 with AA and the 88 as well with DL, loved the aircraft both times. And a sweet engine sound to boot. Actually I will get the pleasure of flying in an 83 in May and again in July on AA .

[IberiaMD-87]

Actually I will get the pleasure of flying in an 83 in May and again in July on AA .

I am really jealous - but always in a positive way Enjoy these flights in MD-80s.

Bye

[AA 1818]

Originally Posted by Foxtrot

^I agree. I have flown in the 82 with AA and the 88 as well with DL, loved the aircraft both times. And a sweet engine sound to boot. Actually I will get the pleasure of flying in an 83 in May and again in July on AA .

Wait until you hop onto a 717!

Business class is whisper quiet, and coach is great. The RRs are amazing engines, and the 717's cabin has an amazing filtration system. I know that it sounds silly, but the air is so much better than on a 737 due to the air filtration system.

[Felipe Garcia]

Originally Posted by CathayPacific

Delta is in a sweet spot here. It apparently had learned from the MD90 experience, where it can snap up every single MD90 in the world at a dirt cheap price, while the type is still fairly young and modern. The 717 is going to be the same. No one wants the type.

And there's plenty of planes that came from small fleets parked around, Turkmenistan just sent theirs to Kingman (I believe), Click's have also been stored for a while, and some time ago I heard rumours that the owners (Boeing Capital I believe) were working on a sweet deal for a potential customer. Supposedly there's a total of 21 717s at VCV, with 6 already taken. SouthTran has a total of 88 planes, of 156 built. So there's a potential of a good ~100 planes that no one wants.

[IberiaMD-87]

Your are right. Turkmenistan Airlines is currently retiring their entire fleet of seven Boeing 717s and I believe that two of them arrived so far in the USA. These aircraft are officially not offered for sale of lease. Maybe Boeing is not looking for a new agreement because they have a contract for these aircraft?

Click´s Boeing 717s are believed to be reserved for Volotea Airlines. Volotea received their first aircraft and during April 2012 Volotea wants to operate three 717s. Most sources say that up to 20 Boeing 717 could be part of Volotea.

Sadly there are still no official statements by Boeing/Delta/Southwest/AirTran. A placement of the 717-fleet would please every party: Southwest could get rid-off their 717-fleet at a better time-frame, Boeing would be happy to have “one costumer for the entire fleet" and a company with the ambition to fly them as long as possible and Delta could surely find a way to utilize the 717 in a very smart way in combination with MD-88s and MD-90s.

I know that it sounds silly, but the air is so much better than on a 737 due to the air filtration system.

The Boeing 717 was once marketed with the additional fact that the air is 100% re-newed within the cabin.

Bye

[IberiaMD-87]

Southwest agrees to sublease 88 Boeing 717s to Delta.

Here is the press-release from Delta´s Newsroom:

Delta message

Regards

[Vnav]

You're getting a little ahead of yourself, there's still a vote that needs to be taken and the outcome is no sure thing....

[AJ]

Looks like the deal is happening:
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/delta-...123000394.html