Boeing

Hawaiian Airlines has signed a definitive agreement for 13 Boeing 717-200 twinjets, with rights to purchase another seven airplanes, The Boeing Company confirmed today. The order is valued at approximately $430 million.

Boeing and Hawaiian Airlines announced in Sept. 1999 that the airline had signed a letter of intent to purchase the airplanes, plus options. The signing announcement today formalized that decision.

Delivery of the first Hawaiian 717 will be in February 2001, with the remainder scheduled in the same year. The 717s will replace Hawaiian's 15 DC-9s and will join 13 DC-10s, maintaining the carrier's commitment to flying an all-Boeing fleet.

"The 717 is an excellent airplane for our inter-island routes," said Paul J. Casey, Hawaiian's president and chief executive officer. "We are confident passengers will enjoy the comfort and innovative features that make travel on the 717 the ultimate flying experience."

Hawaiian Airlines will configure its new airplanes to carry 123 passengers - eight in first class and 115 in economy.

"The 717 is the perfect airplane for the quick turnaround, high frequency short haul market," said Doug Groseclose, Boeing Commercial Airplanes Group vice president - South Asia/Pacific, Africa, and Middle East Sales. "We are excited about the value that this newest member of the Boeing family will bring to Hawaiian Airlines and the people of Hawaii. The 717 has the latest technology and is an environmentally friendly airplane".

The Honolulu-based carrier was established in 1929 and celebrated its 70th anniversary in November 1999. Hawaiian Airlines is the largest airline based in Hawaii, and serves 14 domestic and international destinations in the Pacific region.

The Boeing 717 twinjet is a cost-effective airplane designed specifically to serve quick-turnaround, high-frequency, short-range routes. Boeing delivered 12 717s in 1999. There are currently 143 orders for the 717, including the Hawaiian order and airplanes already delivered to customers.