=20 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- This article was sent to you by someone who found it on SF Gate. The original article can be found on SFGate.com here: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=3D/news/archive/2003/09/19/s= tate0827EDT0041.DTL ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Friday, September 19, 2003 (AP) Boeing plans 130-passenger stretch version of 717 (09-19) 10:19 PDT EVERETT, Wash. (AP) -- The Boeing Co. has developed plans for a 130-passenger stretch version of the 717 to compete with models from Europe's Airbus, Embraer of Brazil and Bombardier of Canada. Boeing officials said Thursday the proposed 717-300X, to be assembled in Long Beach, Calif., would be 14 feet longer than the 717-200 and carry about 20 more passengers. Boeing has offered the design to members of the 17 airlines in the worldwide Star Alliance, spokesman Warren Lamb said. Air Canada, Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines and Scandinavian Airline System, all members of the alliance, are pursuing a joint purchase of up to 200 jets in the 75- to 125-passenger range. Potential manufacturers include Boeing, Airbus, Embraer and Bombardier. If Boeing gets enough orders, deliveries of the 717-300X would begin in late 2006. Boeing has been discussing a stretch 717 for some months. AirTran of Orlando, Fla., the top buyer of 717s to date, opted instead for the 737-700, which has the range to fly cross-continent, Lamb said. The 717 has a shorter range and is designed for quick turnarounds on high-frequency routes. =20 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Copyright 2003 AP