Narrowbody, single-aisle jet created for the short-haul, high-frequency 100-passenger airline market. Third-generation descendant of the Douglas DC-9, originally designed by McDonnell Douglas and designated the MD-95 prior to McDonnell Douglas' merger with Boeing in 1997. Boeing produced 156 717s from 1998 to 2006.
The 717's arrival made Delta the only airline to operate all major variations of the DC-9 simultaneously: DC-9, MD-88, MD-90 and Boeing 717.
Innovations
"Adding the Boeing 717 to our fleet will give customers, particularly business travelers, more mainline aircraft service that features their preferred amenities. The 717s also provide Delta with a significant improvement in economic efficiency relative to the aircraft they are replacing." Delta CEO Richard Anderson, 2012
The Boeing 717 primarily replaces small 50-seat regional jets, providing a better flying experience for Delta customers with First Class cabins, in-flight Wi-Fi, larger overhead bins and popular Economy Comfort seats.
Replacing smaller, costly aircraft with larger, more efficient mainline planes also makes good business sense to Delta. Flying one large airplane in place of two smaller ones requires less fuel, lowers ownership cost and is more environmentally friendly.
Delta Service
In 2012, Delta secured arrangements to acquire all 88 of AirTran's Boeing 717 jets. AirTran had merged with Southwest, and Southwest decided not to integrate the 717 into its all-Boeing 737 fleet.
Before delivery to Delta, Southwest modifies each 717 to convert the planes to Delta standard, including removal of seven seats from AirTran's 117-seat configuration.
On October 25, 2013, Delta's first 717, N935AT, flew Atlanta to Newark, New Jersey. Service expanded from Atlanta to Little Rock, Arkansas, and Cleveland, Ohio, in November.
More Information
- Delta.com: 717 seat map
- Delta Blog: "Boeing 717s are Coming Soon"
- Delta News Hub: News release, "Delta to Add Boeing 717 Fleet, Replacing Small Jets," July 9, 2012
- Boeing.com: 717 manufacturing history and specifications