The Boeing Co. has developed plans for a stretch version of its smallest jet, the 717, and has offered the plane for sale to customers, the company confirmed Thursday as it released the first image of what the new plane would look like.

The 717-300X would be 14 feet longer than the current 717-200 and could carry about 130 passengers — about 20 more than the current model.

Boeing has offered the design to members of the Star Alliance, a network of 17 airlines worldwide, said Warren Lamb, a spokesman for Boeing’s 717 program in Long Beach, Calif.

Five Star Alliance airlines — Air Canada, Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, Luftahnsa and Scandinavian Airline System — are pursuing a joint purchase of up to 200 jets in the 75- to 125-passenger range. Boeing and Airbus are competing for the order along with regional jet builders Embraer of Brazil and Bombardier of Canada.

Boeing has been discussing a stretch 717 with airlines for most of this year. AirTran, the Florida-based low-fare carrier that is the top buyer of 717s to date, considered the design but opted for the Boeing 737-700 instead, Lamb said.

Unlike the 737, which has the range to fly cross-continent, the 717 is a short-range plane designed for quick turnarounds on high-frequency routes.

Whether Boeing ever launches the 717-300X depends on whether airlines place enough orders. If launched, the delivery of the first one would occur in late 2006.

Reporter Bryan Corliss:

425-339-3454 or

corliss@heraldnet.com.