Traces Heritage Back To The Original DC-9

The final Boeing 717 began production this week on the moving assembly line in Long Beach, CA. This milestone marks the final phase of assembly before the airliner is delivered to AirTran Airways in May.

The narrow T-tailed twinjet shares a distinctive profile with it's ancestral forebear, the Douglas DC-9 -- which first flew in 1965. Several variants of the jet remain in service with a variety of carriers worldwide, including more recent stretched versions of the airplane that were produced by McDonnell-Douglas.

The last 717 -- the 156th produced by Boeing -- is a far different aircraft than its predecessors, but still retains the classic DC-9 look.

Boeing inherited the former MD-95 program when the manufacturer merged with McDonnell Douglas in 1997. While the 717 was always under the shadow of its mixed parentage -- many said Boeing never fully supported the jet, especially as it competed with some versions of its own 737 -- Boeing is now putting its best spin forward on the 717.

In a company release, Boeing credits the 717 program with helping the company shape business practices through its supplier partnerships, and with applying principles of lean manufacturing. The company now relies heavily on such agreements, most notably on the forthcoming 787 Dreamliner.

"We challenged the traditional way of thinking and operating to create a great airplane at a reasonable cost," said Pat McKenna, vice president and general manager of the 717 program. "From its concept to production, this airplane has been a team effort that benefits the world's airlines and passengers."

As was reported in Aero-News early last year, the 717 model will be the last commercial airplane produced in the storied Southern California factory. In keeping with its heritage, the plant still features a prominent sign stating "Fly DC Jets!" -- a statement from two owners ago.

More than 15,000 airplanes have been produced in Long Beach since the plant opened in 1941.

FMI: www.boeing.com/history/boeing/717.html