What company was created when Boeing merged with McDonnell Douglas in 1997?

The Boeing Company was created in its modern form when Boeing merged with McDonnell Douglas in 1997.

The all-stock transaction, announced in December 1996 and completed on August 1, 1997, united two of the largest American aerospace manufacturers. Boeing retained its name and headquarters in Seattle, while McDonnell Douglas became part of Boeing’s operations.

The merger strengthened Boeing’s commercial-aircraft business and expanded its defense, space, and military programs. McDonnell Douglas had produced aircraft such as the DC-9, DC-10, MD-80, and F/A-18 Hornet, while Boeing was known for the 737, 747, and 777 families.

A common mix-up is calling the result McDonnell Douglas, but the surviving corporate name was Boeing. The deal also helped Boeing compete more broadly with Europe’s Airbus and become a major integrated aerospace and defense company.