The McDonnell Douglas MD 81 is one of the most recognizable short-to-medium haul jetliners of the late 20th century. As part of the legendary MD-80 series, the MD-81 became a workhorse for airlines worldwide thanks to its reliability, efficiency, and passenger comfort. MD 81 The MD-81 is a twin-engine, narrow-body commercial aircraft developed by McDonnell Douglas. It is the first production variant of the MD-80 family, which itself is an extended and modernized evolution of the DC-9 series. The MD-81 made its first flight in 1980 and entered commercial service in 1981. It was designed primarily for short and medium-haul routes, offering improved fuel efficiency and greater seating capacity compared to earlier DC-9 models. MD-81 Specifications Here are the key technical specifications of the MD-81: General Characteristics Aircraft Type: Narrow-body, twin-engine jet Length: 147 ft 10 in (45.06 m) Wingspan: 107 ft 10 in (32.87 m) Height: 30 ft 6 in (9.29 m) Maximum Takeoff Weight (...