Special Charter Category – McDonnell Douglas MD87

The McDonnell Douglas MD-87 is a shortened-fuselage variant of the MD-80 series, developed in the late 1980s as a high-performance, short- to medium-range commercial airliner. Designed primarily for airline service, the MD-87 offered improved runway performance and operational flexibility compared to earlier MD-80 models, making it suitable for airports with shorter runways or performance constraints.

• This aircraft listing is provided for historical reference only. The McDonnell Douglas MD-87 is not operated or chartered by JetOptions.

First entering service in 1987, the MD-87 typically seated 100 to 130 passengers in commercial configuration and was powered by Pratt & Whitney JT8D-219 or -217 engines. Its reduced fuselage length compared to the MD-83 and MD-88 enabled higher thrust-to-weight ratios and improved takeoff performance.

• Forward Vestibule with Crew Rest Area, Crew Lavatory, and Crew Refreshment. Additional seating in the forward cabin with a 4-Place Conference Group opposite the China & Glass storage cabinet.
• The next zone is a 2-Place Club, across from a 4-Place Wrap-Around Divan. Roomy Mid 6-Place Conference or dining group and Passenger Lavatory.
• Well-Appointed Aft Stateroom Suite with Queen-Sized Bed and Private Lav with Shower.
• Extreme Aft Full-Service Galley. Cabin Entertainment is the airshow package with Region- Free DVD and three Monitors.

Aircraft Characteristics & Configuration

In its original airline role, the MD-87 featured:

• Narrow-body, twin-engine design

• Five-abreast seating configuration

• Rear-mounted engines and T-tail

• The conventional analog flight deck was typical of its era

A limited number of MD-87 aircraft were later converted into VIP or special-mission configurations, often featuring:

• Multiple cabin zones

• Conference seating or lounge areas

• Private staterooms and enhanced galleys

• Extended-range fuel tanks in select conversions

These customized interiors were typically designed for government, corporate shuttle, or private ownership, rather than for modern on-demand charter service.

Operational Status Today

The MD-87 is no longer in mainstream commercial service and is not considered a modern charter aircraft. Most remaining airframes have been retired, placed into storage, or preserved for historical, specialty, or non-commercial applications. Due to operating economics, maintenance considerations, and avionics generation, the MD-87 does not align with current private jet charter standards.

Legacy in Aviation

The McDonnell Douglas MD-87 remains an important part of aviation history, representing the final evolution of the DC-9 lineage before the merger of McDonnell Douglas and Boeing. Its design philosophy emphasized durability, performance, and adaptability—qualities that contributed to the MD-80 family’s long service life worldwide.

Important Note

JetOptions Private Jets does not operate or charter the McDonnell Douglas MD-87. This listing is provided for historical reference and educational purposes only.