B717 Lemon?!
Boeing proposes 717 stretch
Dateline: Friday September 19, 2003
Having failed to generate launch interest in a shorter variant of the 717 targeting the regional jet market, Boeing now is proposing a stretch of the slow-selling jet providing seating for an additional 24 passengers in a typical two-class configuration.
The 717-300X, which "has been offered to several airlines," would be available in the second half of 2006 and involves a 14 ft. stretch of the 717-200 airframe from 124 ft. to 138.3 ft., increasing seating from 106 to 130.
The variant would have higher maximum takeoff and space-limited payload weights and a higher-thrust engine. Boeing also would add a service door behind the wing. In that size range, the dash 300X if launched, would compete against the 737-700 as well as the A319 but would resolve a dilemma for potential 717-200 customers--the lack of a growth variant. --PF