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MD88Partially retired

How the MD-88 fits into the MD-80 story

MD-88 is a partially retired member of the McDonnell Douglas MD-80 family, known for the later branch that stayed visible in U.S. fleets well into the 21st century.

The MD-88 earned a distinct place in the McDonnell Douglas MD-80 family story through its engines, seating, range, service entry, and the missions operators chose it to fly.

Service entry

1988

Seating

149 to 172

Range

2,550 nm

Variant history

Why it branches from the family

The MD-88 stands out within the McDonnell Douglas MD-80 family because it captures the later branch that stayed visible in U.S. fleets well into the 21st century.

It entered service in 1988 with JT8D-219 engines, typical seating for 149 to 172, and published range of about 2,550 nautical miles.

Fact rows

Reference snapshot

ICAO designator
MD88
Designator references
Engines
JT8D-219
Type data
Service entry
1988
Operator records
Typical seating
149 to 172
Operator layouts
Range
2,550 nm
Planning data

Return to the family page

Return to the family history for the wider program story, then compare this version with the other models that carried the design into different markets and missions.