Originally Posted by
Bill Lumberg
Rumors:
717s from Mexicana (25 ex Midwest planes sitting in MEX right now)
A330s via Boeing (Currently used by Saudia that will be replaced by 777s)
600-800 newhires next year.
Discuss.
Boeing does have a history (through its Boeing Capital division) of buying Airbus widebodies off airlines who order the 777. Boeing then finds itself in the interesting position of seeking to sell or lease off Airbus aircraft.
As for the 717, Boeing Capital recently reconfigured a stored Midwest bird and flew it to Boeing Field so Capital and Marketing people could look it over and get familiar with the plane. The idea being that Capital wants to lease the entire 25 717's from Midwest to one airline and not in bits and pieces around the world.
Sending the 717 to Seattle was a prelude to an aggressive marketing campaign at airlines. So, to me, this says there is no imminent deal with Delta, otherwise Boeing wouldn't be going to these lengths...