Long Beach
McDonnell Douglas, founded in 1967, is represented here by 5 passenger and business aircraft families spanning narrowbody and trijet passenger jets.
Explore 5 current and historic jet families, from the aircraft that established the company's reputation to the programs still flying today.
The collection follows McDonnell Douglas's airliner programs from early service through current fleets, retirements, and preservation.
Families
The short-haul twinjet that gave the Douglas narrowbody line its core proportions and airport personality.
First flight
1965
Seating
90 to 139
Forum pulse
60
Range band
1,700 nm
Notable operators
Delta · Northwest · SAS · Eastern
A short-haul workhorse remembered for rear-mounted engines, warm cabins, and a surprisingly emotional afterlife.
First flight
1979
Seating
130 to 172
Forum pulse
74
Range band
2,900 nm
Notable operators
American · Delta · SAS · Allegiant
The re-engined final stretch of the MD narrowbody line, quieter and newer but never as numerous as the MD-80.
First flight
1993
Seating
153 to 172
Forum pulse
60
Range band
2,455 nm
Notable operators
Delta · JAL · Saudi Arabian · China Northern
The final Douglas trijet, built for long-haul passenger and freight work at the edge of a changing market.
First flight
1990
Seating
285 to 410
Forum pulse
60
Range band
6,700 nm
Notable operators
Swissair · KLM · Delta · Finnair
The widebody trijet that gave airlines a flexible alternative to the first generation of jumbo jets.
First flight
1970
Seating
250 to 380
Forum pulse
60
Range band
5,200 nm
Notable operators
American Airlines · United Airlines · Northwest Airlines · KLM
Passengers remember the MD-80 less as a spec sheet and more as a complete sensory environment.
Airchive Desk
