IATA D94ICAO DC94

Douglas DC-9-40

Douglas

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Stretched DC-9 variant built for Scandinavian Airlines.

First flight

1968

Category

Narrow-body jet

Seating

125–132 passengers

Range

2,780 km

Engines

Two Pratt & Whitney JT8D-9 or JT8D-17 turbofans, rear-mounted

Status

Retired

The Douglas DC-9-40 is a stretched variant of the DC-9 family, developed primarily at the request of Scandinavian Airlines System (SAS). It features a fuselage stretch over the DC-9-30, accommodating additional passengers while retaining the twin rear-mounted engine configuration common to the DC-9 line. Powered by two Pratt & Whitney JT8D turbofan engines, the -40 series offered airlines increased capacity without a major change in operating procedures or ground support requirements. It entered service in the late 1960s and found its largest customer in SAS, which operated the type extensively on European routes. Production of the DC-9-40 was relatively limited compared to other DC-9 variants, as most airlines preferred the -30 series. The type has since been retired from major airline service, with survivors operating in cargo or smaller niche roles.

Notable operators

Scandinavian Airlines System (SAS) was the primary and launch customer, with a small number also operated by other carriers.

Notable facts

›The DC-9-40 was developed specifically to meet a requirement from Scandinavian Airlines System.
›It features a fuselage stretch of approximately 1.9 metres compared to the DC-9-30.
›Only 71 aircraft of the -40 variant were built, making it one of the rarer DC-9 series.
›The type entered airline service in 1968.
›It shares high commonality with other DC-9 variants, simplifying crew training and maintenance.