The McDonnell Douglas MD-95 was the final commercial aircraft design developed by McDonnell Douglas before its merger with Boeing. Although originally marketed under the MD-95 name, the aircraft would later be rebranded as the Boeing 717, becoming a highly efficient and reliable short-haul jetliner.
Designed for regional and short-to-medium-haul routes, the MD-95 filled the gap between large regional jets and single-aisle mainline aircraft. Today, it remains an important chapter in aviation history.
McDonnell Douglas MD-95
Origins of the McDonnell Douglas MD-95
The MD-95 was conceived in the early 1990s as a modern replacement for the aging DC-9 fleet. It was developed by McDonnell Douglas as the final evolution of the DC-9/MD-80/MD-90 family.
Why the MD-95 Was Developed
Airlines needed:
A fuel-efficient aircraft for 100-seat markets
Lower operating costs than older DC-9 variants
Modern avionics and updated engines
Better environmental performance
The MD-95 was specifically designed to meet these demands while retaining the proven reliability of the DC-9 platform.
Transition to the Boeing 717
In 1997, Boeing merged with McDonnell Douglas. As a result, the MD-95 was renamed the Boeing 717 before entering service in 1999.
The renaming marked the end of the McDonnell Douglas commercial aircraft brand — the MD-95 never entered airline service under its original designation.
Technical Specifications of the MD-95 (Boeing 717)
Specification
Details
Passenger Capacity
100–117 passengers
Length
124 ft 10 in (38.05 m)
Wingspan
93 ft 4 in (28.47 m)
Range
Approx. 2,060 nautical miles
Engines
2 × Rolls-Royce BR715 turbofans
Cruise Speed
Mach 0.77
Key Design Features
Rear-mounted engines (DC-9 heritage design)
T-tail configuration
Two-class seating layout capability
Advanced glass cockpit
Performance and Efficiency
The MD-95 introduced modern Rolls-Royce BR715 engines, offering:
Reduced fuel burn
Lower emissions
Quieter operations compared to older DC-9 aircraft
Its lightweight design and short-field performance made it ideal for:
High-frequency regional routes
Operations at smaller airports
Dense short-haul markets
Airlines That Operated the MD-95 / Boeing 717
Major operators included:
AirTran Airways (launch customer)
Delta Air Lines
Hawaiian Airlines
QantasLink
The aircraft gained a reputation for reliability, particularly with Delta, which operated one of the largest Boeing 717 fleets in the world.
Production and Legacy
First flight: 1998
Entry into service: 1999
Total produced: 156 aircraft
Production ended: 2006
While sales never matched the Boeing 737 or Airbus A320 families, the MD-95 (Boeing 717) carved out a strong niche in the 100-seat market.
Why the MD-95 Matters in Aviation History
The MD-95 represents:
The final commercial aircraft developed by McDonnell Douglas
The transition period between McDonnell Douglas and Boeing
The last evolution of the legendary DC-9 lineage
A bridge between classic narrow-body jets and modern regional aircraft
Despite limited production numbers, the MD-95 remains highly regarded among pilots and airlines for its durability, simplicity, and operational efficiency.
Conclusion
The McDonnell Douglas MD-95 may not be as famous as the Boeing 737, but its engineering heritage, efficiency, and reliability make it a significant aircraft in commercial aviation history. As the final chapter of McDonnell Douglas’ airliner legacy, it remains an important milestone in the evolution of short-haul jet travel.
If you're researching classic narrow-body aircraft or the origins of the Boeing 717, the MD-95 is a crucial piece of the story.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - McDonnell Douglas MD-95
Was the MD-95 ever delivered as an MD-95?
No. After the Boeing–McDonnell Douglas merger, it was renamed the Boeing 717 before entering airline service.
Is the Boeing 717 still in service?
Yes, several airlines continue to operate the aircraft, particularly on short-haul routes.
What aircraft did the MD-95 replace?
It was primarily designed as a replacement for older DC-9 models.