Unveiling the Boeing 717: A Detailed Look at Its Legacy and Connection to the DC-9

While most aviation enthusiasts are familiar with Boeing’s larger aircraft, such as the 737, few are aware of the smaller and less commonly encountered Boeing 717. This compact jet, comparable in seat capacity to the 737-600, distinguishes itself with a design that deviates from typical Boeing models, featuring a T-tail and rear-mounted engines akin to the older Boeing 727.

Originally not a Boeing creation, the 717 was the product of a merger and marked a period of transition in the aviation industry. Despite its Boeing branding, the aircraft traces its lineage back to the Douglas DC-9, a popular regional airliner first produced by Douglas Aircraft Company in 1965 and later by McDonnell Douglas after the companies merged. This small jet, with over 1,000 orders, ceased production in 1982, succeeded by the MD-80 and then the MD-90.

The MD-95, later renamed the Boeing 717, was developed to replace the older DC-9 models, offering a modernized cockpit and more efficient engines. It was introduced into Boeing’s product line after the company merged with McDonnell Douglas in 1997, a strategic move that aimed to enhance Boeing’s presence in both the commercial aviation and defense sectors.

Comparing the 717 with the smallest variant of the 737, the 737-600, reveals that the 717 could seat up to 117 passengers in an all-economy configuration and had a range of 1,400 nautical miles, suitable for routes like Chicago to Miami. In contrast, the 737-600 could carry up to 130 passengers with a significantly longer range of 3,050 nautical miles.

Despite its advantages and lower cost compared to the 737, the 717 faced fierce competition from smaller regional jets like Bombardier’s CRJ family and Embraer’s E-Jets, leading to its production halt in 2005. With 156 units produced, the 717’s discontinuation also marked the end of the DC-9 family lineage.

As of 2024, only a few carriers operate the 717, with plans for replacement by newer models like the Airbus A220. Despite Boeing’s current focus on resolving issues with the 737 MAX, the legacy of the 717 as a robust and efficient regional jet endures, cherished by operators and passengers alike for its performance and comfort on shorter routes.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, slashgear.com