The Different Variants of the MD-80 Series

The McDonnell Douglas MD-80 series has been a staple for short- to medium-haul flights for many leading airlines, especially in the United States. Even today, some carriers are still flying the MD-80 series and its more recent successor, the Boeing 717-200. In the Philippines, several local airlines have included the MD-80 series in their fleets. Air Philippines flew the MD-82, Asian Spirit operated both the MD-82 and MD-83, and Spirit of Manila Airlines had the MD-83 in service.

This aircraft lineage can be traced back to the well-known McDonnell Douglas DC-9.

The McDonnell Douglas MD-80 series comprises five different variants.

MD-81

The MD-81, initially dubbed the DC-9 Super 81, marked the beginning of the MD-80 lineage. It set the stage for a series of aircraft that would become a common sight at airports worldwide. The MD-81, along with its siblings, is characterized by minor differences such as engine variants, fuel capacities, and weights. The MD-88 and later versions of other models boast modernized flight decks with Electronic Flight Instrument Systems (EFIS), a significant upgrade from the analog cockpits of the past.

The MD-81’s performance specs are noteworthy, with a standard maximum take-off weight of 140,000 pounds, which could be increased slightly for additional capability. It could carry 155 passengers over a range of 1,565 nautical miles, making it a solid choice for short to medium-haul flights. The initial production models were powered by Pratt & Whitney JT8D-209 engines, while later models saw an upgrade to the JT8D-217 and -219 engines, offering improved performance.

MD-82

Introduced on April 16, 1979, the MD-82 was designed to operate from challenging ‘hot and high’ airports while also providing an enhanced payload and range for standard airfields. American Airlines, once the largest operator of the MD-82, had a fleet of over 300 at its peak.

The MD-82 was initially certified with JT8D-217 engines, later seeing an upgrade to the -217A and -217C variants, which offered better performance under higher temperature and altitude conditions. The MD-82’s increased maximum take-off weight and standard fuel capacity identical to the MD-81 allowed it to carry 155 passengers over a range of 2,050 nautical miles.

MD-83

The MD-83 is essentially an extended-range version of the MD-81/82, featuring more powerful engines and a larger fuel capacity. The standard engines for the MD-83 are the Pratt & Whitney JT8D-219s, providing a thrust of 21,000 pounds. The fuel capacity was also increased, allowing for longer flights without the need for refueling.

To accommodate the increased weight from the extra fuel, the MD-83 was equipped with reinforced landing gear, modified wing skins, and stronger floor beams. These enhancements allowed for a maximum take-off weight of 160,000 pounds and a typical range of 2,504 nautical miles with 155 passengers.

MD-87

In January 1985, McDonnell Douglas announced the MD-87, a shorter version of the MD-80, intended to enter service in 1987. The MD-87, with its reduced length, offered seating for 109 to 130 passengers. Despite its smaller size, it maintained the engine options and systems of its larger counterparts and introduced a new tail design for improved aerodynamics.

The MD-87 was available in two versions, differing mainly in maximum take-off and landing weights. It also offered the option to include auxiliary fuel tanks, extending its range significantly. The cabin of the MD-87 was designed to provide comfortable seating in a mixed-class or all-economy configuration, with a maximum capacity of 139 passengers.

MD-88

The MD-88, the last variant of the MD-80 series, was launched in 1986 following an order from Delta Air Lines. This model incorporated an EFIS cockpit and other modern updates, including a wind-shear warning system. While similar to the MD-82 and MD-83 in terms of performance, the MD-88’s updated features made it a contemporary aircraft, suitable for the evolving needs of airlines.

Delta Air Lines’ initial MD-88s were modified MD-82s, with the first MD-88 entering service in 1988. The MD-88 continued to serve airlines until its final commercial passenger flight in the United States in 2020. However, it found a new lease on life with USA Jet Airlines, which added MD-88s to its freighter fleet in 2021.

The MD-88’s performance mirrored that of the other long-body MD-80 variants, with a typical range of 2,050 nautical miles with 155 passengers. The addition of auxiliary fuel tanks could extend this range to match that of the MD-83.

As of August 2022, there were 108 MD-80 series aircraft still in active service. Key operators included Aeronaves TSM with a fleet of 15, World Atlantic Airlines with 9, LASER Airlines also with 9, Everts Air with 5, USA Jet Airlines with 5, along with other airlines that manage smaller numbers of the aircraft.