Boeing Delivers Final 717s; Concludes Commercial Production in California

The Boeing Company ^ | May 23, 2006 | The Boeing Company

[monkeyshine]

Interesting. I like the newer 757's but Delta has a few of them that are older, very uncomfortable even in 1st class. I always try to book a 767, or for regional travel a 737. The 767-400 1st class is very comfy but only used for long haul. Been on the MD-80's a lot but they scare me since that Alaska Air crash (though, they are pretty reliable and buffer turbulence well (better than a 737), still, that plus the DC-10 problems of about 25 years ago creep into my head).

I imagine though that for even a super important executive a 737-ER should do well. It can land at regional airports with smaller runways, have plenty of room for even up to 50 people with extreme comfort (or, 20-30 people + an executive suite).

Otherwise, for the typical business jet (i.e. the regional VP of Wal-Mart for example who needs to visit 3 or 4 stores a day for a week) should be easy to jet around in one of the Cessnas, Lears or even the CRJ's.

Obviously there are so many iterations of need there are so many different types of craft.

[Paleo Conservative]

Yeah, but the President flies with aides, security staff, and the press.

But that whole plane only seats about 80 people including the press corps.

[monkeyshine]

I have always wanted to learn to fly, but quite scared to actually go and do it. Maybe someday. I read a bit about aviation (though by no means an expert). This would be perfect for the private pilot type:

http://www.newpiper.com/aircraft/meridian/specifications.asp

Of course, if you could afford that, then you might consider learning more and picking up one of these:

http://cj1plus.cessna.com/gallery.chtml

I saw on the news a few months ago at the new air show, small business jets in the $2 million range coming out this year from several companies - Cessna in the US, and also from Canada, France and Brazil. A new era for the private pilot and business jet type.

[monkeyshine]

Because of the configuration, and the desire to keep the press to a minimum :-)

I wonder what the "air oval office" looks like. Probably has its own waiting room, too.

[Gamecock]

This plane has always scared the carp out of me.

I would think you wouldn't want carp in you...

[BillT]

Why did they discontinue them? Ah, because Boeing could not sell any of them!

[ArrogantBustard]

Fried Carp with Cabbage and Mushrooms

[phantomworker]

One of the earlier "air oval offices" is on display at the Museum of Flight in Seattle. Kind of cool to see. No waiting room as I recall. LOL

[Old_Mil]

Why did they discontinue them?

Because the airline industry is totally lacking in visonary leaders like Robert Crandall and Gordon Bethune who would see the value in ordering a fleet of 300 of these things and kicking the snot out of the Embraer flying competition.

[RockinRight]

Airtran bought a lot of them.

However, even Airtran seems to have leaned towards 737's as of late.

[AGreatPer]

"However, even Airtran seems to have leaned towards 737's as of late."

Ahh, that is an easy one. I don't even have to comment on it it is so obvious.

Next to Jet Blue, AirTran is the best run airline in the USA today.

[RockinRight]

I'd rank Southwest up there.

[AGreatPer]

never been on Southwest. No experierience here.

JetBlue raped me on an emergency flight during the holidays. But they all do that.

I saw the cockpit on the way in and it was unnerving there is no steering wheel. They had some kind of winding thingy next to the pilot. Hey, I had to get where I was going. Quite pleasand experience. No problems.