IATA M87ICAO MD87

McDonnell Douglas MD-87

McDonnell Douglas

TravelerPulse profile

Shortened, quieter DC-9 derivative for mid-range routes.

First flight

1986

Category

Narrow-body jet

Seating

109–130 passengers

Range

5,486 km

Engines

Two rear-mounted Pratt & Whitney JT8D-217/219 turbofans

Status

Retired

The McDonnell Douglas MD-87 is a short-to-medium-range narrow-body jet airliner, introduced as part of the MD-80 family. It is a stretched derivative of the DC-9, featuring a fuselage shorter than the standard MD-82/83, seating fewer passengers in a quieter, more fuel-efficient configuration. The type entered service in 1987 and was primarily aimed at operators seeking a smaller-capacity aircraft for thinner routes. Powered by two rear-mounted Pratt & Whitney JT8D-217 or -219 turbofan engines, the MD-87 incorporated advanced avionics including an electronic flight instrument system (EFIS) and an updated flight management system compared to earlier MD-80 variants. Its shorter fuselage improved hot-and-high performance relative to longer MD-80 variants. Production of the MD-87 was relatively limited, with approximately 75 aircraft built before the line closed. The type saw service with a number of European and Latin American carriers and remained in limited service into the 2010s, though most examples have since been retired.

Notable operators

Major operators included Scandinavian Airlines (SAS), Iberia, Finnair, and Aeromexico.

Notable facts

›The MD-87 has a shorter fuselage than other MD-80 variants, seating fewer passengers.
›Approximately 75 aircraft were built in total, making it one of the rarer MD-80 family members.
›It introduced EFIS (Electronic Flight Instrument System) cockpit displays to the MD-80 series.
›The shorter fuselage provided better performance from high-altitude or hot-weather airports.
›Entry into service occurred in late 1987 with Austrian Airlines.

Read more on Wikipedia

This profile is provided for general information only. Specifications may be inaccurate or vary by variant/operator — verify with the manufacturer before relying on them.

Encyclopaedia

The McDonnell Douglas MD-80 is a series of five-abreast single-aisle airliners developed by McDonnell Douglas. It was produced by the developer company until August 1997 and then by Boeing Commercial Airplanes. The MD-80 was the second generation of the DC-9 family, originally designated as the DC-9-80 and later stylized as the DC-9 Super 80 . With a stretched, enlarged wing and powered by higher bypass Pratt & Whitney JT8D-200 engines, the aircraft program was launched in October 1977. The MD-80 made its first flight on October 18, 1979, and was certified on August 25, 1980. The first airliner was delivered to launch customer Swissair on September 13, 1980, which introduced it into service on October 10, 1980.

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