Which airline became the Boeing 717’s first commercial operator in 1999?

AirTran Airways became the Boeing 717’s first commercial operator in 1999.

The aircraft entered airline service with AirTran in October 1999. Boeing marketed the 717 as a modern two-engine regional jet for high-frequency routes, and AirTran used it to expand its network from its Atlanta base.

The 717 was originally developed by McDonnell Douglas as the MD-95, a successor to the DC-9 family. After Boeing and McDonnell Douglas merged in 1997, Boeing renamed the aircraft the 717-200 and completed its development under the Boeing brand.

The 717 is often mistaken for a Boeing 737 because both are narrow-body jets used on short and medium routes. However, the 717 has rear-mounted engines and a five-abreast cabin, reflecting its McDonnell Douglas DC-9 heritage.