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Boeing 717

Boeing · Short-Range Narrowbody Jet Airliner · USA · Modern (1992–2009)

The Boeing 717 was an American twin-engine short-haul jet airliner — the final development of the McDonnell Douglas DC-9 / MD-80 / MD-90 family + Boeing's smallest airliner. Originally developed by McDonnell Douglas as the MD-95; Boeing acquired McDonnell Douglas in 1997 + renamed the type Boeing 717. First flight 2 September 1998. Only 156 Boeing 717s were built between 1998 and 2006 at Boeing Long Beach. The aircraft serves worldwide commercial operators through 2026.

The 717-200 used 2 × Rolls-Royce BR715 turbofan engines (18,500 lbf each). Maximum speed 811 km/h, range 2,645 km, service ceiling 11,300 m. Capacity: 106-134 passengers depending on configuration. The aircraft's distinguishing features include the original Douglas DC-9-style tall vertical fin + rear-mounted engines + 5-abreast cabin (vs. 6-abreast for 737/A320) — making the 717 unusually narrow + efficient for short routes.

717 service is concentrated in Delta Air Lines (largest operator, ~80 airframes), Hawaiian Airlines (20), QantasLink (10), Volotea (Spain, 12), and ~10 other operators. Production stopped in 2006 because Boeing prioritised 737 production + the 717's market overlap with short-haul jets reduced its commercial appeal. About 120 717s remain in active service in 2026 — most with Delta Air Lines + Hawaiian.

For Kids — a shorter, friendlier version

The Boeing 717 is the smallest Boeing airliner. It started as the McDonnell Douglas MD-95 but became the Boeing 717 after Boeing bought McDonnell Douglas in 1997. The 717 first flew in 1998 and entered service in 1999. Only 156 Boeing 717s were built between 1998 and 2006.

The 717 has two Rolls-Royce BR715 jet engines mounted on the back of the body, not under the wings. Each makes 18,500 pounds of thrust. Top speed is 504 mph, faster than most race cars. The plane is 124 feet long with a 93-foot wingspan, smaller than a Boeing 737. It carries 106 to 134 passengers.

The 717 has 5 seats across a single aisle, unlike most other airliners with 6 seats across. This makes the cabin narrower and lighter. The tail is also unusual: a T-shaped tail with the horizontal part high up on the fin. These features came from the original DC-9 design from the 1960s.

Production stopped in 2006 because Boeing wanted to focus on the more popular 737. About 120 Boeing 717s still fly today. Delta Air Lines has the largest fleet of about 80 aircraft. Hawaiian Airlines flies 20 between the islands of Hawaii. Smaller operators include QantasLink in Australia and Volotea in Spain.

Fun Facts

The 717 is Boeing's smallest airliner, carrying 106 to 134 passengers.
The 717 started as the McDonnell Douglas MD-95 before Boeing took over.
Top speed is 504 mph, faster than most race cars.
Only 156 Boeing 717s were built between 1998 and 2006.
The 717 has 5 seats across, narrower than the 737's 6 seats across.
Delta Air Lines is the biggest 717 operator with about 80 aircraft.
The 717 has rear-mounted engines and a T-tail, like the DC-9 it grew from.

Kids’ Questions

Why did Boeing keep the 717 small?

Boeing did not really design the 717; McDonnell Douglas did, calling it the MD-95. When Boeing bought McDonnell Douglas in 1997, the MD-95 was almost ready, so Boeing finished it under the 717 name. Boeing made few changes since it had its own 737 family for bigger jets. The 717 was kept for short flights only.

Why rear-mounted engines?

The original DC-9 designers wanted a clean low wing for short runways, so they put the engines on the back of the body. This kept the engines off the ground for safety from debris on rough runways. The trade-off is that rear engines are harder to reach for maintenance and noisier inside the back rows of the cabin.

Why retire only 156?

Most major airlines wanted bigger 737s instead of the 717 for short flights. The 717 ended up sold mostly to AirTran, Delta, and Hawaiian Airlines. Production stopped in 2006 because Boeing's Long Beach factory was needed for the 737 line. The 717 remains a popular plane for short routes, just rare.

Variants

717-200 (sole production): Standard variant. 156 built.

Notable Operators

Delta Air Lines (largest): ~80 airframes in Delta short-haul service.
Hawaiian Airlines + QantasLink + Volotea + others: Combined ~40 airframes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 717 actually a DC-9?

The lineal descendant. The aircraft was developed by McDonnell Douglas in 1991-1995 as the MD-95 (a re-engined refresh of the MD-87 / DC-9-Super 87 family). When Boeing acquired McDonnell Douglas in 1997, the in-development MD-95 was renamed Boeing 717. The 717's airframe is closely related to the original 1965 DC-9 + 1980 MD-80 + 1989 MD-90 designs — making it the final 717-200 of a 41-year lineage that began with the DC-9-10 in 1965.

Sources

Wikipedia — Boeing 717