McDonnell Douglas MD-80/MD-90 family

The McDonnell Douglas MD‑80 and MD‑90 families are twin‑engine, short‑ to medium‑range jetliners that evolved from the original DC‑9 series introduced in the early 1960s. Development of the MD‑80 began in 1979, and the first aircraft, an MD‑81, entered commercial service with Swissair in 1980. Over the next two decades McDonnell Douglas produced more than 1,200 MD‑80s, incorporating stretched fuselages, higher‑thrust Pratt & Whitney JT8D engines, increased fuel capacity, and modernized avionics. The MD‑90, launched in 1990, featured advanced Rolls‑Royce Tay 660/670 turbofans, a redesigned wing tip and a glass cockpit, delivering up to 15 percent better fuel efficiency and reduced noise levels. Both types became popular with airlines for their operational flexibility, relatively low acquisition cost, and commonality with earlier DC‑9 models, allowing crews and maintenance personnel to transition with minimal retraining. The MD‑80/MD‑90 families helped keep legacy narrow‑body aircraft competitive against newer designs, supporting a generation of low‑cost and regional carriers worldwide. Their extensive service life, with many still flying in cargo or charter roles, underscores their lasting impact on commercial aviation and the legacy of McDonnell Douglas before its merger with Boeing.

McDonnell Douglas

McDonnell Douglas MD-80/MD-90 family

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