Boeing has launched the 717 Business Express – the newest variant of the Boeing 717-200. It will be

able to fly up to 3,140nm with additional fuel tanks, while carrying 60 passengers.

“The Boeing 717 Business Express is a new concept for corporations

to help deal with high-volume business travel,” said Boeing Commercial Airplanes sales director Thad Dworkin. “A company with significant and regular employee movement between two or more key business facilities would be a candidate for this aircraft.”

The 717 can be configured to seat from 40 to 80 passengers in first and/

or business class comfort and can be equipped with workstations, meeting spaces, videoconferencing capability and broadband connectivity – using Connexion by Boeing – depending on the needs of the owner.

A key element of the 717 programme, says Boeing, is a customer support package that will be part of the aircraft purchase. It will provide such features as training, field support, a spares kit, ground-support equipment, emergency assistance and warranty.

“We envision several business arrangements that will allow corporations to enjoy the benefits

of the 717,” Dworkin said. “A company can have direct sole ownership, enter a leasing agreement or partner with an airline, in which the airline would operate the aircraft for the corporate owner.”

Boeing adds that the ability of

the 717 to use smaller, less-congested, secondary airports is important, allowing for lower airport use fees and enabling the business traveller to avoid the crowds of primary hub airports.