Group : Passenger Regional Jets
Status : Active
Also Known As : B717, MD-95
Origin : United States of America
Contractor : Boeing
Initial Operational Capability (IOC) : 1999
Total Production : 180
Unitary Cost : USD $37 million

The Boeing 717-200 is a twin-engine, short-haul aircraft intended for the 100-seat class regional market. The aircraft with low noise levels and high efficiency fuel burn has been optimized for short runaways operations and high frequency routes. It is powered by two BMW / Rolls-Royce BR715 high-bypass-ratio turbofans with 18,500 to 22,000 pounds of thrust each. The first Boeing 717-200 was delivered to AirTran Airways in 1999.

Boeing worked on the development of the 717-300X model to meet the requirements for a larger, short range, high-frequency airplane based on the 717-200s success. The 717-300X was planned to carry up to 130 passengers in a two class configuration. Moreover, it would feature a Boeing 717-200 stretched fuselage with a higher maximum take-off weight, higher engine thrust, payload and a service door behind the wing. The first airplane was slated for delivery in the second half of 2006.

On January 14, 2005, Boeing officially stated that 717 production line was scheduled for closure in 2006 following studies that showed up there was not enough market to sustain the production rate. On May 23, 2006, Boeing delivered its final two 717 airplanes to Midwest Airlines and AirTran Airways during a ceremony in Long Beach, California. The 717 was based on the Douglas DC-9 and was originally launched as the MD-95 by McDonnell Douglas.