MD-90

The McDonnell Douglas MD-90 is a twin-engine, short-to-medium-range airliner that was developed from the MD-80 series. It features a stretched fuselage and more fuel-efficient, quieter International Aero Engines V2500 turbofan engines, making it a step forward in design from its predecessor, particularly in terms of noise reduction and environmental performance.

The MD-90 was manufactured by McDonnell Douglas, an influential American aerospace manufacturing corporation that merged with Boeing in 1997. McDonnell Douglas had a long history of producing iconic commercial and military aircraft, including the DC series and F-4 Phantom II. The MD-90’s development began in the late 1980s, with its first flight taking place in 1993 and entering commercial service in 1995.

Although produced for a relatively short time, with the last aircraft delivered after the Boeing merger in 2000, the MD-90 served various airlines globally. It was commonly used by carriers such as Delta Air Lines in the United States, China Eastern Airlines, and Japan Airlines. Its operational history primarily saw service on high-density domestic and regional routes, valued for its passenger capacity and improved economics compared to older models. While many were phased out by major carriers in the late 2010s, they were a familiar sight at airports in North America and Asia during their peak service years.