The Boeing 717, a twin-engine jet designed for regional and short-haul routes, is approaching the end of its operational life as airlines turn to newer aircraft. Despite this trend, the 717 remains in service with a select few carriers.
Originally developed in the early 1990s by McDonnell Douglas as the MD-95, the aircraft was intended to modernize the DC-9/MD-80 family. The MD-95 featured updated avionics and Rolls-Royce BR715 engines for greater efficiency. Financial challenges delayed its launch until low-cost carrier ValuJet Airlines (later AirTran Airways) became the program’s first customer in 1995. Following Boeing’s acquisition of McDonnell Douglas in 1997, the program continued under Boeing as the 717-200, with its first flight taking place in September 1998 and entry into service with AirTran Airways in October 1999.
AirTran Airways played a significant role as both launch customer and primary operator of the Boeing 717, using it extensively on domestic routes until its merger with Southwest Airlines in 2014. Trans World Airlines (TWA) also operated the type before merging with American Airlines, while Midwest Airlines adopted it for its domestic network.
As of November 2025, there are currently 90 active Boeing 717s worldwide. Only two airlines continue to operate them: Delta Air Lines and Hawaiian Airlines. Most of these aircraft are scheduled for retirement between mid-2026 and early 2029.
The oldest active Boeing 717 is just over 27 years old and flies for Hawaiian Airlines. It began service as a testbed for Boeing before joining Impulse Airlines and later Qantaslink prior to its current assignment at Hawaiian. The youngest operational model is nearly two decades old; it started with AirTran Airways in May 2006 before moving to Delta Air Lines in May 2015.
Delta now operates the largest remaining fleet after acquiring most of AirTran’s former aircraft following Southwest’s acquisition of AirTran. Delta plans to retire all its remaining Boeing 717s by late 2026, replacing them primarily with Airbus A220 models due to their improved fuel efficiency and comparable capacity.
Hawaiian Airlines continues to use the Boeing 717 for inter-island flights but is evaluating replacements such as the Airbus A220 or Embraer E195-E2 for future operations.
Airlines retain the Boeing 717 because it serves routes that require moderate capacity—around 110–125 seats—where larger jets would be inefficient. Its operating economics make it viable on thinner routes connecting smaller airports or markets unsuited to larger planes like the Boeing 737 or Airbus A320 series.
“The airline placed the first major order and took delivery of the very first 717 to enter commercial service in October 1999,” according to historical records from AirTran Airways’ involvement.
“Carriers such as Delta and Hawaiian use it to maintain frequent service on these routes while keeping operating costs manageable,” notes industry analysis regarding current usage patterns.
Delta’s retirement plan signals a broader shift toward more advanced aircraft across global fleets. As alternatives like Airbus A220s or Embraer E-Jets become available, they will fill gaps left by retiring models like the Boeing 717, offering airlines updated technology, lower fuel burn, and enhanced passenger comfort.
Despite imminent phase-out schedules, experts expect some Boeing 717s will remain flying for several years during a strategic transition period that ensures route continuity while new aircraft are integrated into airline operations.
