The Boeing 717, introduced into commercial service in 1999 with AirTran Airways, is a narrowbody airliner originally marketed by McDonnell Douglas. Designed for the 100-seat market, the aircraft was initially known as the MD-95 and was in development before Boeing’s merger with McDonnell Douglas in 1997.
Despite plans for additional variants, including the shorter MD-95-10 and larger MD-95-30, only the original aircraft, designated as the MD-95-30 within the company, was produced. With a maximum takeoff weight of 110,000 lb, an empty weight of 67,500 lb, and a maximum payload of 26,500 lb, the Boeing 717 features two Rolls-Royce BR715-A1-30 turbofans, each delivering 18,920 lbf of thrust.
In terms of capacity, the Boeing 717 can accommodate approximately 106 passengers in a two-class configuration, with 8 business class seats and 98 economy class seats. In a single-class configuration, it can accommodate up to 117 passengers. The aircraft has a maximum cruise speed of Mach 0.77 (822 km/h; 444 kn; 511 mph) at 34,200 ft and a maximum ceiling of 37,000 ft. With a basic gross weight, it has a maximum range of 1,430 NM (2,645 km), while in high gross weight, it has a maximum range of 2,060 NM (3,815 km).
The final two Boeing 717s were delivered on May 23rd, 2006, to Midwest Airlines and AirTran Airways, marking the end of the production program after eight years. Delta Air Lines became the primary operator of the type after acquiring AirTran’s former units in 2013, while Hawaiian Airlines is the second-largest operator. QantasLink also operates the 717, but plans to phase it out in favor of the Airbus A220.
Despite its age, the Boeing 717 continues to play a significant role in the aviation industry, particularly for regional and short-haul operations. Delta Air Lines, with 76 examples in service, is the largest operator, while Hawaiian Airlines operates 19 717-200s for interisland operations. QantasLink still has about 12 717s in its fleet, but plans to phase them out by 2025.
