N917XA

This entry covers airframe N917XA, a Boeing 737-800 (factory designation 737-86J) built in 2002 with manufacturer serial number 32917. The airframe is owned by EASTERN 737 ASSET HOLDINGS LLC (corporation, Kansas City, MO, US) and is US-registered (US), a status that has supported a mix of scheduled and ad hoc commercial uses over its life. The airframe’s registry and operator reporting indicate it has been operated in both standard 149-seat configurations and in higher-density single-class layouts for charter missions, highlighting flexible deployment and interior reconfiguration histories. Ownership by an asset-holding corporation suggests the aircraft has been maintained and marketed through leasing or charter intermediaries rather than being a line-operated fleet ship for a single legacy carrier.

Cabin reporting for N917XA varies: the FAA registry records 149 seats, while operator and press accounts indicate the aircraft has been fitted in high-density single-class layouts up to 189 seats for some charter missions. Avionics fit is consistent with the 737-800 line standard, enabling typical short- to medium-haul transcontinental and regional charters at cruise speeds around 523 kts and ranges to approximately 3,115 nm. Based from the owner’s location and US registration, the aircraft has predominantly operated in US markets and charter sectors, with maintenance and reconfiguration practices oriented toward rapid turnarounds and frequent short-sector utilization. Unique operational considerations for this airframe include managing high-cycle usage when configured for dense charter seating and ensuring CFM56-7B engine support consistent with fleet commonality.

The Boeing 737-800 family occupies a mid-size single-aisle niche offering high-frequency short- to medium-haul capability and strong aftermarket liquidity. It competes with contemporary narrowbodies in cost-per-seat and range, and its CFM56-7B engines are well supported globally. For buyers and lessors, the 737-800’s appeal lies in flexible cabin reconfiguration and abundant parts/maintenance networks, though high-density charter use can accelerate maintenance cycles and affect residual value dynamics for airframes like N917XA.