DALLAS – Today in Aviation, the McDonnell Douglas MD-80 made its maiden flight from the manufacturer’s Long Beach, California site.
The MD-80 was conceived in October 1977 as a stretched and upgraded version of the Douglas DC-9. Indeed, the type was initially known as the DC-9 ‘Super 80.’
With the type’s entry into service slated for 1980, the improved aircraft design was initially designated as the Series 80, which would be the sixth variant of the first generation.
In October 1977, Swissair (SR) became the launch customer for the Series 80 with the airline’s order for 15 aircraft plus an option for five.
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Source:: “Airways Magazine”