Mon, Mar 03, 2003
Boeing has delivered its first 717-200 airliner
for Midwest Airlines during a ceremony at the manufacturer's Long
Beach assembly facility. "This is truly a historic day for our
airline," said Timothy E. Hoeksema, chairman and chief executive
officer of Midwest Airlines. "Not only did we take delivery of our
first Boeing 717 this morning, but its delivery signals the
official change of our name to Midwest Airlines -- events that will
better position our airline for the future.
"We'd like to thank Boeing and its employees for their diligence
in designing and producing this outstanding aircraft, which will
significantly reduce our operating costs," Hoeksema added.
Formerly known as Midwest Express, the
Milwaukee-based airline ordered 25 of the fuel-efficient Boeing
twinjets in April 2002 with options to purchase an additional 25
airplanes. The new 717s will replace the carrier's current fleet of
20 DC-9s. The airplanes are configured for 88 passengers in
Midwest's signature two-by-two wide leather seats, and are due to
enter service beginning in March this year.
"We want to thank Midwest Airlines for its confidence in the
717's proven capabilities, as the right airplane to give passengers
big jet comfort, help improve the airline's financial bottom line,
and be a good environmental neighbor to the cities Midwest serves,"
said Jim Phillips, vice president of the Boeing 717 program in Long
Beach.
Midwest Airlines also operates a fleet of 13 MD-80s. It caters
primarily to business travelers and features non-stop service to
major destinations throughout the U.S. Since taking to the skies in
1984, Midwest has earned a reputation for "The best care in the
air(R)" by providing passengers premium service at competitive
fares -- and their famous chocolate chip cookies.
The 717 just delivered includes a new
enhanced-security flight deck door, helping to assure that Midwest
will be in full compliance with more stringent federal standards
that take effect April 9. The Boeing 717-200 is the leading new
short-range, high frequency jetliner in its class in revenue
service today. More than 100 of the Boeing twinjets have been
delivered thus far to airlines on four continents, exceeding
customer expectations for low-cost and reliable operation.
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