BOEING 717-200
The Boeing 717-200 is a twinjet airliner designed for the 100-seat, short-range market, originally developed by McDonnell Douglas as the MD-95 before its acquisition by Boeing. Known for being quiet, efficient, and having quick turnaround times, it was built on the design lineage of the DC-9 family. Although production ended in 2006, the Boeing 717-200 remains in service with airlines like Hawaiian Airlines and Delta Air Lines.
This video explains why Delta keeps flying the Boeing 717:
[
53s
Plane Curious
YouTube · Aug 24, 2025](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lm5AVHJkqgQ&t=5)
Key Characteristics
- Market Niche:
The 717-200 was built to be an efficient and quiet aircraft for the 100-seat, short-haul regional airline market.
- Design:
It is the fourth generation of the DC-9 family and features two rear-mounted engines and a T-tail.
- Efficiency:
Its design allows for quick turnaround times and lower operating costs due to its rugged simplicity and efficiency.
- Quietness:
The 717 is known for its quiet operation, especially for a twinjet of its era.
History
- MD-95 to 717:
The aircraft was originally designed and marketed by McDonnell Douglas as the MD-95.
- Boeing Acquisition:
After the merger of McDonnell Douglas and Boeing in 1997, the MD-95 was rebranded as the Boeing 717.
- End of Production:
Boeing announced the discontinuation of 717 production in early 2005, with the final aircraft delivered in 2006 to launch customer AirTran Airways.
Current Use
- Short-Haul Operations:
Airlines like Hawaiian Airlines use the 717-200 for short interisland flights.
- Delta Air Lines:
Delta Air Lines also operates a fleet of 717s, using them for regional routes within their network.
- Legacy Aircraft:
As of June 2022, a significant number of Boeing 717s were still in service, demonstrating their continued utility.