Airbus A321

Looking to augment the 717 fleet for longer haul, higher load routes, Spitfire submitted bids to Boeing and Airbus for both the 737-900 and A321-200. After failing to meet what was thought to be an acceptable price considering the large amounts of 717s in service, Spitfire turned to Airbus for an order of 12 A321-200 at a substantial price cut.

The A321 will replace 717s on longer distance flights where the 717 may be passenger-weight limited, freeing up 717s for expansion out west on shorter routes.