Sun, 03 May 2026 10:39:22 +0000

How Boeing’s Lesser-Known Jet Failed in the Line of Duty—Here’s What They Won’t Admit When discussing aviation history, Boeing’s legacy is often dominated by its iconic 737, 787, and superjumbo 777. Yet, beneath the spotlight lies a lesser-known jet that met a tragic fate: the Boeing 717. While not entirely forgotten, this compact airliner’s story diverges sharply from Boeing’s usual success narrative—marked by operational setbacks, limited adoption, and unresolved operational failures that the company has rarely acknowledged publicly. ### The Boeing 717: A Brief Introduction Originally known as the MD-95 (a modified version of Bombardier’s Dash 8), the Boeing 717 was designed as a short-haul, efficient regional jet. Acquired by Boeing after its 1998 merger with McDonnell Douglas, the 717 was intended to serve feeder routes—airlines targeting smaller markets underserved by larger aircraft. Peeking into service in 1999, the jet offered fuel efficiency and reliability for its class but faced immediate hurdles.