The above photo was taken as the first 717-2BL N902ME (55166/5116) climbed from Rwy 30
at Long Beach California on it's delivery flight to Kansas City (MCI)
(Photo By Michael J. Carter)
Welcome to the Midwest Airlines Boeing 717 area of my site.
I've decided to dedicate an entire section to the airlines 717 fleet,
due to fact that it is the only aircraft type that the airline
has bought factory fresh.
Midwest Express Airlines announced on April 10th, 2001 that the Boeing 717-200 aircraft had been selected to replace the aging fleet of DC-9-14/15/32 aircraft that it currently operated. The originally letter of intent was for 20 firm aircraft with 30 options, but was adjusted to the current order status of 25 firm aircraft with 25 options, with a value of approximately $750 million, which does not include the $14 million investment by the airline for seats, galleys and other required equipment.
Midwests 717s will carry 88 passengers in the standard Midwest configuaration of two-by-two leather seating. The 717 will continue the airlines tradition of "The best care in the air" which the carrier has earned over the years with its high level of passenger service which include fine food served on china along with complimentary champagne and fresh baked onboard chocolate chip cookies.
The delivery of the first 717 to Midwest Express saw the airplane wearing the updated color scheme and tail logo of the company now known as Midwest Airlines. Express was dropped as some potential passengers associte the word express with small regional carriers operating small turbo-prop aircraft.
The new tail logo consists of two wings, one evoking Midwest Express' strength as a company, the other made of curved lines, symbolizing flight toward the future. An interesting detail the color scheme incorporates are stripes on the forward section of the engine cowls. The left side (Captain) has four stripes, the right side (First Officer) has three stripes, a minor detail worth taking note of to be sure.
The first Midwest Airlines 717-2BL N902ME (55166/5116) was delivered on Friday morning February 28th, 2003 during ceremonies held in Long Beach California under beautiful sunny blue skies. The aircraft powered into the dispaly area escorted by a group of Douglas employees riding Harley Davidson Motocycles sybolizing the birth place of the Harley, there were even a couple cheeseheads in attendance. Following the ceremonies the aircraft departed Long Beach at 1103 on it's delivery flight enroute to Kansas City (MCI) were more ceremonies were scheduled for the afternoon.
As I write this, the second Midwest Airlines 717 sits on the Douglas flight ramp waiting to make its first flight. The airline will receive one airplane per month over the next two years and will make a decision on exersizing any options sometime during the next year. Midwest Airlines is rumored to be interested in the 717-300 if the airplane is offered. A decision to launch the -300 will be made by Boeing later this year.
717-2BL Photo Gallery One
717-2BL Photo Gallery Two
717-2BL Photo Gallery Three
717-2BL Photo Gallery Four
