Wright | 1999-2023 | Boeing 717-200

As the end of the century was approaching, Wright's DC-9 fleet was ageing and the MD-87s had proved to be overly expensive for the airline to operate. With McDonnell Douglas offering the MD-95 (later to become the Boeing 717), Wright jumped at the offer and placed an order for 25 aircraft plus 25 options. The first example was delivered to the airline in early 2000 and by 2008 the DC-9s and MD-87s had been retired.

Fortunately, the 717 proved to be the perfect fit for Wright's operations. It had just enough range to operate most routes (the few that were too long could be served by the MD-90s and remaining MD-80s) and offered excellent operating costs. However, the downturn in the airline industry after 2001 caused Wright several years of financial challenges which forced deliveries to be delayed. The last 717 was not delivered to the airline until 2006, bringing the fleet to 50. The 717 fleet was also the first to wear the livery introduced in 2008 which marked the beginning of a new period of expansion for the company.

Ship 717 (N717WR) was delivered to Wright in mid-2001 and was equipped with 12 First and 95 Coach seats. It remained in service until 2021, when it was retired in favor of the Airbus A220, although several of its sister aircraft are scheduled to remain in the fleet until 2023.

2009-2018 livery