American Trans Air looks at the 717

The parent company of ATA Airlines Inc. is exploring buying 100-seat aircraft such as the Boeing 717 or Embraer 190 to fill a niche in a fleet heavy on bigger jets and smaller turboprops.
The nation’s 10th-largest carrier said Thursday that introducing smaller jets into its fleet of 66 planes could better position it to serve smaller markets and add more frequent flights to existing destinations.
Indianapolis-based ATA said it had not begun formal negotiations to buy planes but “has expressed interest in the Boeing 717 and the Embraer 190 aircraft.” ATA did not offer information on how many jets it might buy, or whether new planes would replace some of its existing jets or add to the fleet.
ATA’s announcement was in line with recent moves by other low-fare carriers such as Jet Blue, AirTran and Atlantic Coast Airlines to expand the range of jet sizes in their fleets, said Richard Bittenbender, an airline analyst at Moody’s Investors Service.
Such moves can increase expenses for spare parts, pilot training and other needs, but smaller jets could make sense for ATA, Bittenbender said.
ATA said it was discussing possible fleet changes with unions representing its pilots and flight attendants. The company’s news release included statements of support for the move from representatives of both unions.
ATA’s fleet now includes 175-seat Boeing 737-800s, 247-seat 757-300s; 200-seat 757-200s; and 34-seat Saab 340B turboprops operated by ATA’s Chicago Express Airlines.