Originally Posted by
Timbo
Who are the 717's being leased from? Is it Boeing or some 3rd party? If it's Boeing, I can see where they -might- take them back, as a down payment on lots of new 737's. If it's a 3rd party, well, they would have to find a replacement lessor, right? And for about the same rate, or lose money on the deal.
Boeing is the lessor. I believe 86 of the 88 are.
Anyways, here is the thing. 20 717s "disappeared" from the sale or lease section of Boeing.com right as the rumor hit legit news sources that we were ordering 100 739s.
Who Took The 717's Boeing Was Offering? — Civil Aviation Forum | Airliners.net
Thus bolstering, not starting but bolstering rumors (from a year before when SWA announced FL merger), of 717s to DAL. If rumor is true it could be as much of 106 717s. Further bolstering the rumor is SWA's "we don't want 717s anymore but we'll keep them if we can't get rid of them" headlines - which sounds like negotiating in public a bit.
Airline Biz Blog | dallasnews.com