When Will Delta Air Lines Retire Its Boeing 717s?

[@scpatl4now]

I remember flying on the 717 several times when they flew for Airtran. They were very comfortable planes to fly on.

[@markiangooley]

I flew them a lot with AirTran and I think that most or all of Delta’s were originally AirTran’s (then Southwest’s, then sold off mostly if not entirely to Delta). If A220s were more plentiful and being produced more quickly I think they’d replace the 717s soon.

[@jaysmith1408]

@@markiangooleySouthwest still owns them

[@alexgenesky8512]

I think that’s correct; Southwest still owns them and leases them to Delta. All of Delta’s 717s were picked up because of the AirTran merger. I almost exclusively flew AirTran when it was around, so I took many trips on those 717s as well.

[@markiangooley]

@@jaysmith1408really? Why did I get the impression that Southwest sold every one to have an all-737 fleet, after buying up AirTran? Are they leasing them out?

[@jaysmith1408]

@@markiangooley when they took over AirTran, I’m sure they very quickly figured that Delta would like them to supplement the Mad Dogs and then replace the DC9’s, and it’s a steady stream of income for Southwest at negligible cost, since likely in the lease, Delta is doing all the work. When delta fixes to retire them, which they can’t really do, just return them to SW, I doubt Southwest will take them back, either resale, lease or write off.

[@alooga555]

I like the 2-3 seating configuration of the 717. The A220-300 sounds like the perfect replacement for the aging ex-MD plane having a similar seating capacity and layout.

[@matthewjacobson252]

That's exactly what I was thinking, they'll probably retire them once they get most/ all of their order for the A220-300!

[@AzulToad]

@@matthewjacobson252but the 717 still does not have a crash.

[@jsmute]

A220 isn’t a replacement for what the 717 does so perfectly.

[@alooga555]

@@jsmute The 717 is "perfectly" aging.

[@Delta_NWAB747fan]

⁠​⁠​⁠@@alooga555 The 717 is definitely aging perfectly, because it’s barely aging. The oldest one is barely 26 years old yet, that’s young for aircraft life expectancy. There are older, bigger aircraft operating for massive airlines. The 717 will be retired way before it’s predecessors were and some active T-Tails like the earlier CRJs that can be up in their 30s. In the 2000s, there were DC-9s up to 30-40 years old and still going strong for some pretty big airlines such as Northwest, Cebu Pacific, Aero Mexico, South African Express, and etc. Granted they were some dirty aircraft, but that’s 60s tech for you. The 717 is more efficient and has a better safety record than than even more modern aircraft, even with the few hard landings it’s had. I know Delta will retire them before their prime, but it deserves at least a few more years of good service. So I don’t see the need to retire it when other aircraft that are even less reliable had longer service careers than this is expected to have.

[@matthewbarber9846]

Yes I had one lovely flight on the 717, or as I still refer to it as the MD95! Very comfortable, very smooth and towards the front, very quiet ❤

[@ImperialPilot27]

I think 717 lovers (like me) will enjoy seeing them in the Delta livery a while longer.

[@josephaskins1996]

I flew on the 717 with Delta a while back, while older and definitely louder than newer aircraft, such as the A350 I was connecting onto, the flight was smooth, and the experience was rather nice, especially as the first was an early morning flight and the second a late night flight that had some amazing views out the window. All considered, I'd readily fly on the type again.

[@robk3005]

Never flew on a Boeing 717, but I did fly on the predecessor, the DC-9. The rear engine configuration makes for a quiet, comfortable ride. Today, the A220 would probably be the most logical replacement.

[@ericjones7769]

The 717s are not the oldest planes in Delta's fleet!!!! You have 757s and 767s and A320s in Delta's fleet that are way way older than the 717s my friend 💯💯💯💯💯💯💯

[@bagelish6686]

Exactly! Which is why they are being retained until end of decade, not 2025 as the inaccurate reporting states.

[@jsmute]

You sir are 100% correct!!!

[@masonsebastian4741]

I'm flying on one in 2 weeks, I could've gone direct to my destination but I really want to fly on the 717

[@finalities]

Same with me

[@Macaroni_and_cheeseYT]

I remember my dad used to be a mechanic at delta and one of the aircraft he worked on was the 717

[@billotto602]

Was his name Mark, by chance ? I retired from Delta in 2020, working at MSP in the C-side hangar/ ramp . Mostly nights.

[@erickelly3447]

I flew on it with Delta on several occasions on flights out of Atlanta going to Miami and back. It's a fairly comfortable commuter jet to fly on and is a far better option than the smaller jets their regional partners fly for them.

[@grriceman782]

It’s cute, fast and quiet. Beats the heck out of the CRJ200’s it often replaced.

[@ericjones7769]

The 717s are definitely cute little planes lol,so are the newer A220s as well lol

[@the_artist_sylveon]

Flew on at least one, back in October of 22. MEM to DTW. While not the plane’s fault, we had to abort the landing and do a go around, which made my sister panic while I, the AvGeek of the family, was perfectly calm because I knew that it was likely just a wind or traffic issue

[@everydayaviation6339]

The 717 is iconic at CLT, however the A220 would be a great replacement in the future.

[@jsmute]

A220 isn’t a great replacement. It’s better at longer flights.. the 717… nothing does what it does better than that plane

[@deltafox757]

Should they reactivate the rest of their 717s, I’m really hoping they bring them over to the west coast again. I miss them so much at LAX, LAS, SEA, and SAN.

[@Micg51]

If they would put IFE screens on them, the 717 would be almost as good as the A220 pax wise. It’s fun getting a flight not on a 737/320

[@ijxrxmy]

They won’t be putting IFE screens on 717 if they’re actually going to be retired in 2025.

[@DarkSideMaceWindu]

I'm scheduled to fly on a 717 for the first time next month, I can't wait I've been trying to get on one since AirTran merged into Southwest.

[@planeinsane1]

Hopefully never. Such a sweet plane.

[@1867Phoenix]

Delta's 717s actually belong to Southwest Airlines. Southwest acquired them from AirTran when they merged with AirTran. Southwest is committed to an all-737 fleet. Therefore, they saw no use for the 717s. Delta has been leasing the 717s from Southwest. After Delta retires its 717s, it will be up to Southwest to decide their fate. Since Southwest has no desire to incorporate these 717s into its fleet. Southwest might lease them out to some other passenger airline in a foreign country with sanctions on acquiring newer and better aircraft. But the most likely outcome is that Delta will retire their 717s, then Southwest will send the aircraft to be scrapped in Pinal County Arizona, Roswell New Mexico, or Victorville California.

[@Sacto1654]

I wouldn't be surprised that when Southwest gets the planes back, many of them will end up with Hawaiian Airlines for their inter-island service.

[@r1mein54]

Jan.27th flew on 717s from GNV to DAL via ATL. One of them had wire ties holding up the light lens overhead, one had corrosion streaks showing on the wing top from fasteners. The last flight back on my 70th birthday to GNV Jan.28 I watches the port engine from seat 27A with cover screws missing and was not offered hearing protection. I had reserved seat 22E for each flight. Flying 20 yo planes is like never changing oil in your car engine.

[@ChocolateFlyer]

Hopefully no time soon. The 717 and 757 are the only reasons I tolerate Delta and ATL at all. The experience is that good. When they're gone, I will be too

[@jwaviation16]

The 717 and 757 are my favorite aircraft’s and one of the reasons why Delta is my favorite airline. Luckily they have no plan to retire the 757s as (of right now) and hopefully they’ll keep them for many years to come. I was recently told by a Delta Airlines pilot that Delta is thinking of keeping some 717s till 2030, let’s just hope they will 🤞

[@scpatl4now]

The A220 is pretty good, and I imagine that is what will replace them (717)

[@andrewdrone]

Agreed, I really only fly Delta to experience the 757 along the way these days. Atlanta is a pain but worth it for the Atari Ferrari 👍

[@marcman844]

The 717 is a great bird; it had the highest dispatch rate EIS than any other aircraft; it has the right capacity and range to fill a great need. The A220 would have replaced it but it has a few problems and is being used on longer routes. Fortunately i was able to snag a 717 trading card from Delta. Of course, there may be a few MidEx 717s out there also.

[@goobthe3rd]

Their current bases make sense. NWA DC-9s were based at MSP and DET, while the MD-88 and -90s were based in Atlanta in a great number. The parts and knowledge base of the personnel at those MRO (TechOps) facilities ensures that quick maintenance turnarounds are possible.

[@gusi09]

717 is a beautiful bird.

[@HMSDaring1]

I must fly on the 717’s!

[@leezinke4351]

I don’t think Delta should retire B717s yet there lots of planes that they have are way older than 717.

[@jsmute]

The problem is…. There is only 156 of the 717s ever made… one word… parts

[@robcook7627]

Living in Charlotte, NC, most of Delta’s mainline flights are on the B717. I am looking forward to these aircraft being replaced with the A220 aircraft. Puzzled on why they are acquiring an additional 8 if retiring all by the end of 2025??? I do like the fact that Delta used the B717 to phaseout the 50 seat aircraft.

[@well-blazeredman6187]

I like to see airliners reach old age.

[@paulschab8152]

This video is inaccurate.

[@WeMuckAround]

Flew on my first 717 in December 2021 from ATL to GSP. Very short flight but I was in the last row with now window! I was gutted!

[@StormFanatic210]

I flew on them in 2012 when they were still part of AirTran.

[@MonopodMan]

Amazingly, I thought they were very old planes like the Boeing 707 and 727 but it turns out they were first built in the late 90s

[@ericjones7769]

You're thinking about it's big brothers the DC9s and the MD80s which are around the same ages of the 727s lol

[@AML2000]

The 717 is the last plane designed by Mcdonnell-Douglas. Before the first one could get off the assembly line, Boeing bought out the company and renamed them Boeing 717. They were intended by Mcdonnell-Douglas to replace the very oldest first generation DC-9's which were approaching EOL.

[@immanuel_shadowhammonds2813]

I’ve flown on the type long ago, the one thing I don’t like about them is the seating in the rear next to those loud engines, other than that… not bad!

[@andresgarcia7757]

Hard to replace such a good airplane. It is also quiet due to having the engines on the back. I recently flew on a 758, another of my favorite airliners and you could feel the airflow form the engines on that one.

[@alexselchow]

i flew on hawaiian airlines 717s on inter island trips, and it was a really cool experience for my geeky self

[@jan-laurinfrey6091]

I think they just wait until they have enough crew trained for the a220 and enough aircrafts from this type and then they will start to retire the 717. Next step is than to retire the 757 with a321neo´s.

[@longbeach7623]

The aging ex NW A320s are a bigger priority than 717, which on average are 10 years younger.

[@GiancarloGaudioso]

Flew on march 3rd 2024 from GPT to ATL. And several times before on the same route.

[@mvsplit]

Just flew on 717-200 w.p.beach to white plains. Seat next to engine. flight was actually very comfortable.

[@eth39232]

My understanding is Delta will use the 717 to the end of the decade. The A220 will not replace it. Instead, older 737-800's, 319's, and maybe 320's if still around will be shifted to the 717 routes, while newer 737's and 321's will be moved to the 737-800 routes.

[@wadehiggins1114]

Great planes, the Airbus A220 will be a great replacement

[@milwright]

Did Delta acquire some of the fleet from Air Trans? I loved that plane. It’s 2/3 set up was my favorite.

[@DarkSideMaceWindu]

Delta bought the entire 717 fleet from Southwest after they acquired AirTran.

[@johniii8147]

@@DarkSideMaceWindu Leased actually from Boeing Capital.

[@dolbra4]

I flew on two of those 717s in 2003, when they were in the AirTran fleet. But not on Delta, though.

[@linotogni5396]

Yes! This may so lucky I got to do that!

[@austinkub2337]

There's a rumor going around that they're going to extend ops until 2030, however I've yet to see any confirmation of this unfortunately.

[@bagelish6686]

It’s not a rumor. It’s been officially confirmed by upper management.

[@austinkub2337]

@@bagelish6686 Do you have an official statement or anything to bolster this? Would love to know if that's true or not.

[@Ahuntsicspotter]

If they do, they could update them with the ptvs.

[@kirkzevola5004]

@austin it’s true I’ve asked the Delta pilot and flight attendants on my flight from Venice to JFK & I follow someone who works for Delta and they all say that the Delta is keeping their B717-200 in service and won’t be retired anytime soon.

[@badgerattoadhall]

i have flown the 717 from new york area airports to detroit several times. its ok for shorter fligts.

[@andys4132]

The 717 is a love hate plane, cool and retro decent to fly on, but as a ramper those cargo bins and constant nose heavy balance won't be missed.

[@ElAye]

What airport is this? 2:07

[@TheTubadMoose]

Las Vegas

[@joecrammond6221]

given that a 717 came down without its nose gear down, I don't see much point in Delta repairing it if they plan on retiring them

[@bagelish6686]

That’s because they’re not planning on retiring it. It is being repaired and will return to service later this summer.

[@LoyalmoonieProductions]

I keep hearing conflicting reports that Delta is retiring the 717s next year or they changed their mind. I cannot confirm this anymore.

[@NealAhearn-h5m]

Why Boeing 717 retired?? I do miss Boeing 727-200 & 400 so far..I heard 717 is better than DC-9 & MD- 80 ..I love Boeing

[@gasviation9077]

bro it's still a Mcdonald Douglas plane

[@NealAhearn-h5m]

@@gasviation9077 🤔 McDonald Douglas 😂🤣 you mean to order burgers and fries

[@gasviation9077]

@@NealAhearn-h5m ofc

[@shsav2012]

Not the 717, but it’s older derivative that a Delta owned the MD 88 on a flight from Detroit to Baltimore in March 2013

[@longbeach7623]

The MD88s were retired in 2020.

[@thewesternway]

I dont know... Maybe in 2024 or 2025...

[@dagoose.]

I think they’ll retire them when all the a220s have been delivered

[@noroy2]

They were my Greensboro - ATL route.

[@paulmarriott5715]

Delta have loads of old 757's and 767's that are still flying regularly also so the obviously they still think the old planes can still make a profit

[@bradmacley2722]

They just brought some E of Qantas 717’s

[@JayJayAviation]

It’s kinda funny how you can barely see the nose gear in the thumbnail photo

[@mrcaialexander2352]

Keep them and replace the CR9 and routes

[@JohnMadden-ue5qm]

Hello I will be flying on 717 tomorrow night going to Boston MA

[@Ahuntsicspotter]

Delta is replacing the 717s by the Airbus a 321 neo and the Boeing 737Max10.

[@gteixeira]

717s have next to no resale value nowadays, they are better off using them for short range flights where the higher operating costs are offser.

[@BNU30C]

I’ll believe it when I see it

[@nurrizadjatmiko21]

Never on a Boeing 717 also and never seeing it from my own 👁👁 either. Yes. Delta should stick with the plan to retire them by December 2025.

[@ultramagnus4374]

Still not a single life lost on one

[@The_luckynumberis7]

Delta should buy quantas’s boeing 717s and Hawaiian air

[@jcmissimer5918]

I fly 717 CHO-ATL-CHO. Better than the regional jets

[@aviation_lover1850]

I love the fact I get to work these beauties 😍

[@MK_4753]

I have a 717-200 delta flight in 25 days. IAD to ORD

[@bagelish6686]

Does delta even fly nonstop between these two cities?

[@MK_4753]

@@bagelish6686 no I have a layover as well in Minneapolis

[@MK_4753]

@@bagelish6686 I think its IAD - MSP in CRJ 900 and MSP - ORD in 717-200

[@paulmcbain3233]

They are very good planes there use to be from air tran I believe there good for another 5 years.

[@jsmute]

2030 retirements for the plane

[@heyitshuttz3705]

They’ll be around until 2023

[@ronparrish6666]

As soon as they get more 220,s

[@bagelish6686]

Terrible lazy reporting by simple flying…Delta have announced the 717 is going to be retained until end of decade...

[@christianfelipe2824]

If you wanna fly one asides Delta...just go to Hawaii and fly Hawaiian.

[@damsom1431]

Sooner is better.Once retire all 717s, is next step to all airbus aircraft fleet. This make Delta one of greatest airlines in the world

[@melrose9252]

Delta is not going up all Scarebus. Sorry for your luck.

[@spades9048]

I guess you missed their MAX order.

[@bagelish6686]

717’s are staying until 2030, already announced by upper management.

[@selleyfn]

first!!!!!! 56 seconds comon man

[@richardneilan2392]

Ugly little plane.

[@storminnormin4651]

Delta…. 🤡’s

[@jamiesworld1690]

Majority of US Airlines own a lot of old dangerous aircraft in. The world I mean sll these old planes are dangerous putting people st risk

[@jwaviation16]

In the 25 years of the 717 being around, the landing gear failure last week was the first “major” incident to ever occur with a 717. I’m pretty sure the fuel leaks were simply a maintenance error and could happen to any aircraft. Even though they’re old, they still are safe as long as they are maintained and kept up to date

[@R3VStudios]

Airport ops here, we had a brand new delta A321neo suffer a complete engine failure on takeoff. Plane was 6 months old. Your argument is invalid.

[@Archduke17]

Lack of age didn't prevent two relatively new Boeing 737 MAX from crashing. headdesk

[@andrewdrone]

They are not dangerous. Look at the 717's safety record. It is very good. No hull losses

[@longbeach7623]

Are you kidding? The 717 is literally a straight A student. Flawless safety record.