05/27/2026
Built to tackle short runways and smaller regional airports, the McDonnell Douglas DC-9 revolutionized regional jet travel when it debuted in 1965. Because many small airports lacked heavy ground infrastructure at the time, it was cleverly designed with built-in airstairs and an onboard auxiliary power unit so it could operate completely independently on the ramp. Over 50 years later, this legendary airframe is still outlasting much newer jets!