McDonnell Douglas MD-82

The McDonnell Douglas MD‑82 is a medium‑range, twin‑engine jet that forms the most popular variant of the MD‑80 family. First rolled out in 1980, the MD‑82 entered commercial service with American Airlines in 1981, quickly becoming the workhorse for many airlines worldwide. Its development built on the success of the original DC‑9, extending the fuselage by about 5 feet, adding more powerful Pratt & Whitney JT8D‑217 turbofan engines, and incorporating a larger‑capacity fuel system that increased range to roughly 2,500 nautical miles. Key features include a two‑crew glass cockpit with digital flight displays, improved aerodynamics such as a higher‑lift wing trailing‑edge device, and a capacity for 155 passengers in a typical two‑class layout. The aircraft’s reliability, relatively low operating cost, and ability to operate from short runways made it attractive for both domestic and short‑haul international routes. Over 1,200 MD‑82s were delivered, and for three decades the type dominated the U.S. carrier fleet, influencing airline scheduling, fleet planning, and the evolution of narrow‑body design. Although largely retired today, the MD‑82’s legacy endures in modern Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 families, which inherited many of its efficiency concepts.

McDonnell Douglas

McDonnell Douglas MD-82

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Design & Classification