Boeing 717 Family
Originally designed by McDonnell Douglas as the MD-95, the Boeing 717 is a purpose-built, high-frequency 100-passenger regional twinjet. Powered by rear-mounted Rolls-Royce BR715 engines and featuring an advanced Honeywell glass flight deck, the 717 remains legendary for its fast turnaround times, low maintenance footprint, and reliability across dense point-to-point routes.
Boeing 717 Family Technical Matrix
| Specification | 717-200 Basic | 717-200 High Gross Weight | 717 Business Express |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical Passenger Capacity | 106–117 (Max 134) | 106–117 (Max 134) | 40–60 VIP Guests |
| Overall Length | 37.81 m / 124 ft 0 in | 37.81 m / 124 ft 0 in | 37.81 m / 124 ft 0 in |
| Wingspan | 28.45 m / 93 ft 4 in | 28.45 m / 93 ft 4 in | 28.45 m / 93 ft 4 in |
| Tail Height | 8.92 m / 29 ft 3 in | 8.92 m / 29 ft 3 in | 8.92 m / 29 ft 3 in |
| Max Takeoff Weight (MTOW) | 49,900 kg / 110,000 lbs | 54,885 kg / 121,000 lbs | 54,885 kg / 121,000 lbs |
| Max Range (Full Payload) | 1,430 nm / 2,645 km | 2,060 nm / 3,815 km | 3,140 nm / 5,815 km |
| Engines (2x) | Rolls-Royce BR715-A1-30 | Rolls-Royce BR715-C1-30 | Rolls-Royce BR715-C1-30 |
| Thrust Rating | 18,500 lbf (82.3 kN) | 21,000 lbf (93.4 kN) | 21,000 lbf (93.4 kN) |
Program History & Milestone Timeline
McDonnell Douglas formally launched the MD-95 program with a 50-aircraft firm order from ValuJet (later AirTran Airways), targeting the high-density 100-seat short-haul market.
Following the Boeing–McDonnell Douglas merger, Boeing preserved the MD-95 as the sole surviving commercial airliner project, rechristening it the Boeing 717-200.
The prototype 717-200 took to the skies over Long Beach Airport for an extensive 4-hour and 10-minute maiden flight.
AirTran Airways became the launch customer, entering the 717 into scheduled service and showcasing its rapid 25-minute gate turnaround times.
Boeing completed final assembly in Long Beach with 156 total aircraft delivered, with major fleets continuing in frontline service with Delta Air Lines and Hawaiian Airlines.