The Boeing 717 is the little brother of the 737 but is only loved by Delta Airlines
Published on Aug 31, 2025 at 9:30 PM (UTC+4)
by Grace Donohoe
Last updated on Aug 28, 2025 at 3:31 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Emma Matthews
Even though the Boeing 717 is the little brother of the famous 737, it’s only actually loved by Delta Airlines.
The airplane actually has a deep-set history, with the Boeing 717 name only being delegated later in the jet’s life.
You see, Boeing took over the controls as the jet came into its possession.
But that’s not the only fact about the Boeing 737’s younger sibling
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The Boeing 717 is the younger sibling of the 737, and Delta Airlines is a fan
In the aviation industry, there are a few front-runners in the manufacturing line, with Boeing competing for the top spot.
Everyone’s heard of the Boeing 737, but less attention has been directed towards the 717.
But the Boeing 717 actually began life under a different name altogether.
The 717 is a ‘third-generation descendant of the Douglas DC-9, originally designed by McDonnell Douglas and designated the MD-95 prior to McDonnell Douglas’ merger with Boeing in 1997,” explained the Delta Flight Museum.
So, when things were taken over, the jet was subsequently renamed, and Boeing then reportedly produced 156 of the 717s between 1998 and 2006.
The routes taken by the Boeing 717 flying to a midsized domestic city from a core hub, with the airline giving the example of the Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport to Chattanooga Airport.
The final two 717s were reportedly delivered in 2006, and the final customers were Midwest Airlines and AirTran Airways.
The best bit, though? Some of the 717s are still in operation thanks to some airlines, with Delta taking the lead in operating the most.
Boeing’s fleet of aircraft is used by many airlines globally
In the aviation industry, Boeing is a dominating force.
From the classic 737 to the equally impressive 747, the jets are in demand, both as commercial cruisers and private business jets.
For example, you can even take a look inside the incredibly elegant cockpit of Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-800.
But that’s not all.
This five-engine Boeing 747 is among the rarest aircraft ever built, and the creation has a very specific role.
So Boeing really does have variety within its wings.
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