MD90

The MD-90 is a narrow-body twinjet airliner developed by McDonnell Douglas as a variant of the MD-80 family. Conceived in the 1990s, it was intended to offer improved fuel efficiency, lower operating costs, and modernized systems while preserving the familiar MD-80 cabin and pilot interface.

Development and design: The MD-90 program, announced in the early 1990s, incorporated newer high-bypass turbofan engines and aerodynamic refinements, including a redesigned tail and updated airframe components to reduce drag and maintenance needs. The flight deck and avionics were upgraded to provide a more capable, modern cockpit, while the overall fuselage layout remained similar to the MD-80 to ease operator transition.

Production and career: Production of the MD-90 was limited, with only a relatively small number of aircraft built before corporate changes redirected development. After Boeing’s 1997 merger with McDonnell Douglas, the MD-90 program was superseded by the MD-95 initiative, which eventually became the Boeing 717 following the integration. The MD-90 itself did not become a long-running production line.

Legacy: The MD-90’s significance lies mainly in its role as a transitional step between the MD-80 family and the later MD-95/717 lineage. In the end, the Boeing 717 serves as the successor to the MD-90/MD-95 concept, while the broader MD-80 family remains in service with some operators.

Specifications: The MD-90 is a twin-engine, single-aisle jet designed for short- to medium-haul routes, typically configured to carry around 150 passengers depending on layout. Range and payload varied by variant and operator.