IATA M83ICAO MD83

McDonnell Douglas MD-83

McDonnell Douglas

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Extended-range workhorse of the MD-80 family.

First flight

1984

Category

Narrow-body jet

Seating

149–172 passengers (typical)

Range

4,635 km

Engines

Two Pratt & Whitney JT8D-219 turbofans

Status

In service (declining)

The McDonnell Douglas MD-83 is a stretched, extended-range variant of the MD-80 series, itself a development of the earlier DC-9. It entered service in 1985 and quickly became popular with airlines seeking a fuel-efficient, high-capacity narrow-body for medium-haul routes. Powered by two Pratt & Whitney JT8D-219 turbofan engines, the MD-83 offered improved range and payload over earlier MD-80 variants, making it suitable for transcontinental routes. Its 149–172 seat capacity and low operating costs attracted numerous carriers worldwide. Although production ended in 1999 following Boeing's acquisition of McDonnell Douglas, many MD-83s remained in commercial service well into the 2020s, particularly with low-cost carriers. The type is gradually being phased out as operators replace aging fleets with newer, more fuel-efficient aircraft.

Notable operators

Major operators have included American Airlines, Alitalia, Iberia, Alaska Airlines, and Allegiant Air.

Notable facts

›The MD-83 is the most produced variant of the MD-80 family.
›Boeing inherited the MD-83 program after acquiring McDonnell Douglas in 1997.
›Production totaled 1,191 aircraft across the entire MD-80 series, with the MD-83 accounting for the largest share.
›American Airlines operated one of the largest MD-83 fleets, retiring its last examples in 2019.
›The JT8D-219 engines gave the MD-83 a roughly 4,635 km range, enabling transcontinental US flights.

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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