AirTran Studies B717 replacements

[Captjiggles]

http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2009/10/07/333193/airtran-studies-717-fleet-replacements.html



The C series would be really nice to fly and a really good replacement. Its also neat they are considering 20-25 B737-800's. Guess we will see.

 

[75M]

AirTran has deferred a total of 36737 deliveries, with the earliest deliveries scheduled for spring 2011, Kirby says.

Aw, c'mon, we haven't deferred THAT many deliveries!

http://www.montrealgazette.com/AirTran+pondering+Bombardier+CSeries+order/2078541/story.html

AirTran pondering Bombardier CSeries order

Florida-based low-cost carrier AirTran Airways said Wednesday it is considering replacing its 117-seater Boeing 717s with Bombardier Inc.'s new CSeries 100-145 seater aircraft or Embraer's 190-195 regional jets that carry about 100 passengers, according to industry reports. The airline is now flying 86 Boeing 717s, aged from six to 10 years.
AirTran said it wants 100-120-seater aircraft and plans to place an order in 2012 for first delivery in 2014. Bombardier plans to start delivering the first CSeries late in 2013. Embraer is considering whether to build a competitor.

AirTran said it doesn't rule out the appearance of a new Boeing aircraft with the capacity it seeks.

 

[funnyman12]

Also interesting that we are trying to raise all this money, negotiations are finally progressing, and the recent rumors of hiring. I'm sure nothing will happen tho...maybe we can sell more planes tho....

 

[Colonel Savage]

"I'm sure nothing will happen tho...maybe we can sell more planes tho...."

That's not funny.

 

[Colonel Savage]

Why is it that with a low cost, "pack 'em in" business model (where high volume rules), AAI wants to replace a modern, efficient, 117 pax design with another modern, efficient 100-120 pax design? The 737-700 should become the "smaller airplane", and the 717 should be replaced by an aircraft larger than the -700, like the 737-800/900. Duh!

 

[ImbracableCrunk]

Why is it that with a low cost, "pack 'em in" business model (where high volume rules), AAI wants to replace a modern, efficient, 117 pax design with another modern, efficient 100-120 pax design? The 737-700 should become the "smaller airplane", and the 717 should be replaced by an aircraft larger than the -700, like the 737-800/900. Duh!

Single fleet type is obviously a good choice if it fits the bill.

Why doesn't AAI like the 717?

 

[funnyman12]

Engine costs.....back in 2007 Joe Leonard said that we would keep the 717's for many years as long as we can continue to re-negotiate the leases and the engine agreements. Maybe Rolls-Royce wants a deal not as economic as we want. Also old planes + higher costs. Who the hey knows....

 

[gt1900]

Why is it that with a low cost, "pack 'em in" business model (where high volume rules), AAI wants to replace a modern, efficient, 117 pax design with another modern, efficient 100-120 pax design? The 737-700 should become the "smaller airplane", and the 717 should be replaced by an aircraft larger than the -700, like the 737-800/900. Duh!

AAI isn't filling all the seats with 117 seat A/C. Why would you add an a/c with 20 more seats when your not filling the a/c with 117?

 

[jonjuan]

AAI isn't filling all the seats with 117 seat A/C. Why would you add an a/c with 20 more seats when your not filling the a/c with 117?

Miles per gallon...

 

[Minimaniac]

The 717 fleet can't be expanded. That, and the costs mentioned above make the plane not as attractive as it used to be.

 

[scarlet]

717 is full 8 months a year !! Chicago turn on a Wed in the first week of Oct.--116 going and 117 coming back?

Would have to be somewhat full, making money !!

AT will end up with a 737, just trying to play the oldest game with Boeing. We will go else where.

 

[maxblast72]

Don't think some of Airtran's smaller midsized cities (like MLI or ICT) can justify 3 or 4 flights a day with a plane much bigger than a 717.

 

[Colonel Savage]

Wouldn't 737-800's be useful on higher density routes to/from large Florida and North East cities? Why not get some extra revenue for the aircraft investment when the business is there? The difference between the price and operating expenses of the -700 vs -800 can't be that large. You wouldn't have to fill the -800 up all the time to make more money with it.

 

[BILL LUMBERG]

Wouldn't 737-800's be useful on higher density routes to/from large Florida and North East cities? Why not get some extra revenue for the aircraft investment when the business is there? The difference between the price and operating expenses of the -700 vs -800 can't be that large. You wouldn't have to fill the -800 up all the time to make more money with it.

You bet Col...Because the math has proven.....Florida is where the profits are....


Good luck with that!

 

[jonjuan]

Wouldn't 737-800's be useful on higher density routes to/from large Florida and North East cities? Why not get some extra revenue for the aircraft investment when the business is there? The difference between the price and operating expenses of the -700 vs -800 can't be that large. You wouldn't have to fill the -800 up all the time to make more money with it.

It's not density-it's yield.

 

[Max Powers]

It's not density-it's yield.

you are correct sir!

Take a 717 route and then put a smaller aircraft with similar CASM and presto your profits will increased. With less seats you can charge a premium.

 

[atv797]

Or they want a RJ and pay you RJ rates ???

 

[NuGuy]

Heyas,

Now watch, AirTran will sell the 717s to DAL as a DC-9 replacement.

Oh, the irony....

Nu

 

[jetflier]

You guy's want DC9's ? We've got about 68 of them left. Some even have new leather interiors and paint jobs.

 

[gt1900]

Don't think some of Airtran's smaller midsized cities (like MLI or ICT) can justify 3 or 4 flights a day with a plane much bigger than a 717.

Exactly. I non-rev a fair amount. Some of the routes are still packed and could probably handle a 737-800. But many routes are still wide open. Im non-reving this weekend and the flights are wide open. And Im non reving between 2 major cities. AAI has a bunch of routes that dont have the trafic to fill a 737 on a consistant basis.