The McDonnell Douglas MD-90, a unique aircraft in aviation history, was produced in limited numbers, with only 116 units built. The last of these aircraft, primarily operated by Delta Air Lines, took its final flight on June 2, 2020. This marked the end of an era for the MD-90, which once aimed to compete directly with the likes of the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320.
The MD-90 was introduced as a stretched version of the earlier MD-80, featuring updated engines and a modern cockpit. It was designed to fill a gap in the market for a regional aircraft, yet its limited production numbers and operational challenges contributed to its rarity. While the Airbus A320-200 and Boeing 737-800 have each seen thousands of units sold, the MD-90 struggled to find its footing.
Design Features and Specifications
The MD-90 belongs to the third generation of the DC-9 family, characterized by its T-tail configuration, rear-mounted engines, and a typical seating arrangement of five seats per row in economy class. The aircraft’s length measures 152 feet seven inches (46.5 meters), surpassing that of the Airbus A321-200. Despite its larger size, the MD-90’s narrower fuselage limits its passenger capacity to levels comparable to that of the A320-200.
Equipped with the IAE V2500 engine, the MD-90 was more fuel-efficient than its predecessors. However, early reliability issues with these engines tarnished its reputation. The aircraft also featured a new electrical system, which faced its own set of challenges, leading to the MD-90 being dubbed a “hangar queen” early in its service.
Market Challenges and Limited Adoption
Despite initial enthusiasm from Delta Air Lines, which was the launch customer, the MD-90 faced numerous obstacles that hindered broader adoption. The aircraft entered a challenging market during the early 1990s, a period marked by a decline in the airline industry. While Delta initially ordered 50 aircraft with an additional 110 options, the company only ended up taking delivery of 16 due to various factors, including economic restructuring and early reliability concerns.
The MD-90’s performance was further hampered by its limited range and fuel capacity, making it less competitive against the already established A320-200 and the upcoming Boeing 737-800. Additionally, the lack of multiple size variants meant it could not cater to the diverse needs of airlines, which preferred flexibility in aircraft options.
Delta’s commitment to the MD-90 grew in the early 2010s as they acquired more units to expand their fleet. The airline’s maintenance capabilities allowed it to manage the aircraft effectively, even as other airlines shied away from the model due to ongoing operational challenges. By 2017, Delta had amassed a fleet of 65 operational MD-90s, along with 13 additional units for parts.
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the retirement of the MD-90, as Delta opted to replace the aging fleet with newer models. Ultimately, the aircraft’s last flight signaled the conclusion of the MD-90’s legacy in commercial aviation.
The McDonnell Douglas MD-90 serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges within the aerospace industry. While it was a significant advancement over its predecessors, its limited production and operational hurdles ultimately led to its rarity and eventual retirement.
