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Boeing 737 MAX 8 vs. McDonnell Douglas DC-9-30

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737 MAX 8

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DC-9-30

Price (USD)
$110 Million$10 Million
First Flight
20161966
Body Type
Narrow-bodyNarrow-body
Length
39 m129 ft
36 m119 ft
Wingspan
35 m117 ft
28 m93 ft
Wing Area
127 m²1,367 ft²
93 m²1,001 ft²
Fuselage Width
3 m12 ft
3 m11 ft
Height
12 m40 ft
8 m27 ft
Max Takeoff Weight
82,600 kg182,102 lbs
48,988 kg108,000 lbs
Number of Engines
22
Engine Options
CFMI LEAP-1BPratt & Whitney JT8D
Max Thrust Per Engine
130 kN29,300 lbf
67 kN15,000 lbf
Max Total Thrust
260 kN58,600 lbf
134 kN30,000 lbf
Fuel Capacity
25,800 l6,816 gal
13,900 l3,672 gal
Range
6,570 km3,548 nm
2,800 km1,512 nm
Cruise Speed
839 km/h521 mph
897 km/h557 mph
Typical Seating
178 pax115 pax
Max Seating
210 pax127 pax

What Are the Differences Between the Boeing 737 MAX 8 and McDonnell Douglas DC-9-30

Boeing 737 MAX 8 vs McDonnell Douglas DC-9-30 Size Comparison

  • At 39.50 meters, the Boeing 737 MAX 8 is 3.10 meters longer than the McDonnell Douglas DC-9-30.
  • With a wingspan of 35.90 meters, the Boeing 737 MAX 8 is 7.50 meters wider from wingtip to wingtip.
  • The Boeing 737 MAX 8 and McDonnell Douglas DC-9-30 have heights of 12.30 meters and 8.50 meters respectively - making the Boeing 737 MAX 8 3.80 meters taller.

Boeing 737 MAX 8 vs McDonnell Douglas DC-9-30 Range

  • Boeing 737 MAX 8’s range of 6,570 kilometers is greater than McDonnell Douglas DC-9-30’s range of 2,800 kilometers. Therefore, the Boeing 737 MAX 8 can fly nonstop approximately 3,770 kilometers further.
  • The Boeing 737 MAX 8 can hold 6,816 gallons of fuel, which is 3,144 gallons more than the McDonnell Douglas DC-9-30’s tank capacity of 3,672 gallons.

Boeing 737 MAX 8 vs McDonnell Douglas DC-9-30 Seating

  • In a typical seating configuration, the Boeing 737 MAX 8 can accommodate 178 passengers, which is about 63 passengers more than McDonnell Douglas DC-9-30’s seating capacity.
  • The Boeing 737 MAX 8’s max seating capacity is 210 passengers, compared to 127 passengers of the McDonnell Douglas DC-9-30.

About the Boeing 737 MAX 8

The Boeing 737 MAX 8 is a narrow-body, twin-jet aircraft, and the upgraded version of the Boeing 737-800 from the NG family. As of 2023, over 1100 737 MAX jets are in service, with the majority of them being MAX 8s. The very first MAX 8 was delivered to Malindo Air in May of 2017. The state-of-the-art jet offers airlines a modern and versatile option for short to medium-haul routes.

A 20-month grounding interrupted deliveries after two fatal crashes traced to the programming of the Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System (MCAS). Now restored with multiple software fixes and training revisions, the 737 MAX series retains strong market demand for economical medium haul flight connectivity globally.

With a length of 129.7 feet (39.5 meters) and a wingspan of 117.8 feet (35.9 meters), the 737 MAX 8 is adept at accommodating the operational needs of both large international airports and smaller regional terminals. It is designed to seat up to 178 passengers, striking a balance between capacity and passenger comfort. The aircraft is powered by two CFM International LEAP-1B engines, each capable of producing 29,300 lbf of thrust (130.0 kN), totaling 58,600 lbf (260.0 kN). This power, combined with a fuel capacity of 6,816 US gallons (25,800 liters), enables the 737 MAX 8 to cover a range of 3,548 nautical miles (6,570 kilometers). The upgraded LEAP-1B turbofans contribute 20% fuel savings thanks to lighter composite designs. Re-engineered tail sections and wing tips further boost efficiency.

The 737 MAX 8 is rivaled by the Airbus A320neo. These two are arguably the most capable and efficient airliners for the modern medium haul market. The airlines with the most MAX 8s include Southwest Airlines, American Airlines, United Airlines. Other carriers include Flydubai, Aeromexico, Air Canada, and TUI Group. With future rate increases slated as demand persists, the MAX 8 remains well-positioned as sub 180-seat workhorse growing the 737 legacy.

About the McDonnell Douglas DC-9-30

The McDonnel Douglas DC-9-30, a narrow-body jet airliner first introduced in 1966, stands as a significant aircraft in the evolution of commercial aviation. Designed during an era of rapid growth in air travel, the DC-9-30 was developed to meet the demands of short to medium-haul routes, offering airlines a more efficient and practical alternative to the larger jetliners of the time. The Series 30 of the DC-9 included four main sub-variants, -31, -32, -33, and -34. During its production, the -30 was by far the most popular model of the DC-9 with 585 units delivered.

This aircraft was initially developed as the Douglas DC-9, prior to August 1967 merger with McDonnell Aircraft. The DC-9-30 measures in at 36.4 meters (119.3 feet) in length. This size enabled it to operate efficiently in smaller airports and on shorter runways - a niche that was underserved at the time of its introduction. Powered by a pair of Pratt & Whitney PWJTD engines, the DC-9-30 has a total thrust output of 134.0 kN (30,000 lbf). Its fuel capacity of 13,900 liters (3,672 US gallons) gives the DC-9-30 a range of approximately 2,800 kilometers (1,512 nautical miles). This range was particularly advantageous for airlines looking to serve regional networks with an efficient and reliable jet.

The DC-9-30's typical five abreast seating layout can fit around 115 passengers, with a maximum of 127 in a high-density layout.

In its market segment, the McDonnel Douglas DC-9-30 was a key competitor to other short-haul aircraft of the era. Its introduction provided airlines with a jetliner that was not only smaller and more versatile than the larger, long-haul aircraft but also more efficient and economical for short to medium-range routes.

Airlines such as Delta Air Lines, Eastern Air Lines, and TWA were prominent operators of the DC-9-30, utilizing its capabilities to enhance their regional route networks. The aircraft's role in these fleets demonstrated its effectiveness in bridging the gap between propeller-driven airliners and larger jets, contributing significantly to the growth of regional air travel.

The McDonnel Douglas DC-9-30's production and service history highlight its importance as a practical and versatile aircraft in commercial aviation. The last DC-9 to ever be built was delivered in 1982. After its retirement, McDonnell Douglas went on to produce the MD-80 and the MD-95.

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Values shown may not be 100% accurate, as some metrics are averages or only represent certain production years and configurations. Engine specs are based on the best options available.

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