Having begun developement in 1995, the MD-95 family of twin-jets is desgined to serve the 100 passenger, high- frequency, short-to-medium range routes such as those flown presently by DC-9s. The MD-95 will also feature reduced fuel consumption, reduced exhaust emissions, and significantly lowered sound levels. Variations on the basic model such as an extended range model, a 127 passenger model, and an 80 passenger commuter model are all in development. Delivery is scheduled for 1999.

McDonnell Douglas designs and produces a variety of aerospace and defense products. It is one of the world's largest space and defense contractors and the third largest manufacturer of commercial aircraft. The corporation was created in 1967 with the merger of the McDonnell Company of St. Louis and the Douglas Aircraft Company of Southern California. Located in Long Beach, the Douglas Aircraft Company is the commercial aircraft componant of the McDonnell Douglas Corporation. It was founded in 1920 by Donald W. Douglas, and has since delivered more than 45,000 aircraft, including the long line of Douglas Commercial (DC) and McDonnell Douglas (MD) models. The Douglas Aircraft Company employs approximately 11,000 people.