Introduced in 1999, the Boeing 717 is a narrowbody airliner designed for the 100-seat market. Despite its initial development by McDonnell Douglas, the aircraft was launched by Boeing after the two companies merged in 1997. With a cruise speed of Mach 0.77, a maximum ceiling of 37,000 ft, and a range of up to 2,060 NM, the 717 has served various airlines over the years. Delta Air Lines became the largest operator of the type after acquiring AirTran Airways in 2013, while Hawaiian Airlines is the second-largest operator, utilizing the aircraft for interisland operations. QantasLink also operates the 717, but plans to phase it out in favor of the Airbus A220. Despite production ending in 2006, the 717 continues to play a significant role in the aviation industry, particularly for regional and short-haul operations.