Midwest Express to order as many as 50 Boeing 717-200 airplanes

<br>SEATTLE (AP) _ Midwest Express Airlines has signed a memo of understanding to order as many as 50 Boeing 717-200 airplanes as part of the airline's modernization program, The Boeing Co. announced

Wednesday, April 11th 2001, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

SEATTLE (AP) _ Midwest Express Airlines has signed a memo of understanding to order as many as 50 Boeing 717-200 airplanes as part of the airline's modernization program, The Boeing Co. announced Tuesday.

Boeing, based in Seattle, said once a contract is signed, the airliner will agree to a firm order of 20 Boeing 717-200s, with options for an additional 30 aircraft. The 20 planes are valued at $750 million at list prices, the company said.

The airplanes are scheduled to be delivered between February 2003 and 2006.

Milwaukee, Wis.-based Midwest Express currently operates a fleet of 34 airplanes, including 24 DC-9s and 10 MD-80 aircraft.

The company said it plans to configure the 717s to seat 88 passengers. The plane can seat up to 100 passengers, according to Boeing.