Volotea, a new low-cost airline in Europe, this week agreed to a long-term leasing deal with Boeing Co. for the company's 717 twinjet.
Volotea recently took delivery of its first Boeing 717-200 from Boeing Capital Corp., Boeing's financing and leasing arm.
The airline operator plans to begin its new European point-to-point service with an all-717 fleet in time for this year's Easter travel season, according to Boeing.
Under a multiyear arrangement, Boeing will begin additional deliveries year of the 717 in March. The number of aircraft involved in the arrangement was not disclosed.
Boeing said its Commercial Aviation Services unit will provide operational manuals and its Maintenance Performance Toolbox product to Volotea, as well as in-person and virtual pilot training.
"Volotea's goal is to forge new and efficient air connections between Europe's small and mid-sized cities currently not well-served by direct flights," Volotea founder and CEO Carlos Munoz said in a news release.
"We see the 717's capabilities as the best solution for us in filling this need, and we see the partnership with Boeing as the right one for our success."
Powered by Rolls-Royce BR715 engines and manufactured in Europe, the 717 is "designed for quick-turnaround, high-frequency and short-range markets (up to 1,500 nautical miles," according to Boeing.
Volotea's 717s will be configured to carry 125 passengers in an all-coach layout, Boeing noted.
