As airlines look toward a more efficient and sustainable future, the retirement of older aircraft like the Boeing 717 marks a significant shift in fleet strategy. With the 717 being out of production, its aging airframes, rising maintenance costs, and growing environmental concerns mean that its time is coming to an end. But what will fill this gap?

The 717 was a compact, rear-engined jet ideal for short-haul routes, especially in markets like Hawaii and Australia. With just 156 units built, it had a modest production run compared to other Boeing types, yet its influence has endured, especially for carriers like Hawaiian Airlines and Delta. As the last commercial aircraft with rear-mounted engines, its design stands out in aviation history, but, with no new production and limited support, airlines are preparing to replace it with modern alternatives.

We Are Approaching The End Of The Boeing 717 Era

The Boeing 717, developed initially as the McDonnell Douglas MD-95, entered service in 1999 and quickly carved out a niche as a high-frequency short-haul performer. Known for its quiet rear-mounted engines and sturdy build, it was especially popular among airlines operating on short routes with multiple daily cycles. However, as noted by Simple Flying in 2024, the jet’s production was halted due to weak demand and overlapping product lines after Boeing’s merger with McDonnell Douglas.

Additionally, the rise of more efficient regional aircraft and a shift in market needs spelled the end for the Boeing 717. Today, these aircraft are approaching obsolescence, with spare parts becoming harder to source and maintenance costs rising. Hawaiian, a large operator of the Boeing 717, has been particularly vocal about its replacement needs. The aircraft’s small size and quick turnaround times make it well-suited for island hopping, but Hawaiian has acknowledged that the aging fleet needs a successor.

Discussions from a Simple Flying thread on Hawaiian’s 717 replacement reveal both industry and enthusiast speculation, primarily centered around two aircraft of a similar size: the Airbus A220 as a top choice, followed by the Embraer E195-E2. In addition, other slightly larger candidates, such as the Airbus A319 and the Boeing 737 MAX 7, were also mentioned.

The Airbus A220 Is The Leading Replacement Candidate

Aircraft such as the Airbus A220-100 and, to a lesser extent, the A220-300, are widely seen as the natural successors to the Boeing 717. Developed originally by Bombardier as the CSeries, the A220 offers a combination of range, fuel efficiency, and passenger comfort, making it ideal for replacing older short-haul jets. It seats between 100 and 135 passengers in a standard two-class configuration, with significant savings in fuel and maintenance.

The A220 is built with modern avionics (such as a complete glass cockpit), fly-by-wire controls, and a spacious cabin featuring large windows and quiet Pratt & Whitney PW1500G geared turbofan engines. According to Airbus official website, the aircraft burns up to 25% less fuel per seat compared to older generation aircraft, making it particularly attractive to environmentally conscious carriers. Additionally, its operating economics and high dispatch reliability make it a strong choice for high-frequency, short-haul routes.

The A220’s design makes it a sustainable and cost-effective option for airlines modernizing their fleets. Hawaiian hasn’t chosen a replacement yet, as the 717 will continue serving Hawaii for at least five to seven years. Still, the A220 comes as a strong candidate, given its range and performance profile, which is suitable for both inter-island and West Coast flights. Only time will tell when it comes to seeing which aircraft will replace Hawaiian’s aging fleet of 717s. So far, we can analyze other companies’ strategies. For example, QantasLink was another major Boeing 717 operator that retired its fleet in late 2024, as we covered this event in one of our articles. According to the Qantas News Room press release, the airline decided to replace its 717s with Airbus A220:

“Following more than two decades of service in the Qantas Group, connecting Australian capital cities and regional hubs and supporting the resource sector in the West, the fleet of 20 QantasLink 717 aircraft are being replaced by 29 new fuel-efficient Airbus A220s, as part of the Qantas Group’s fleet renewal program, which will reshape its domestic and regional network over the next decade and beyond. “

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How Does The Airbus A220 Compare To The Embraer E2 For Regional Airlines?

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Can Embraer Step In?

While the A220 leads the conversation, the Embraer E-Jet E2 family also presents a strong alternative. The E190-E2 and E195-E2 models offer excellent fuel efficiency, new-generation avionics, and a similarly sized cabin suitable for regional and short-haul operations. Embraer promotes the E-Jets as ‘The Profit Hunter‘ with a keen focus on operating cost reductions and emissions.

The E195-E2, for example, can carry up to 146 passengers, positioning it slightly larger than the A220-100 but with similar economics. Its Pratt & Whitney GTF engines offer strong performance and quiet operations. For routes requiring high cycle capabilities, the E-Jets are proven performers, with airlines like Azul Linhas Aereasfrom Brazil and KLM Cityhopper from the Netherlands flying them extensively.

Though slightly less spacious than the A220 cabin, Embraer’s E-Jets have the benefit of a highly refined supply chain and global support network. For airlines prioritizing operational familiarity and flexibility, the E-Jets may be a smart alternative.

What About The Airbus A319neo?

Another possibility, though less discussed, is the Airbus A319neo. A smaller member of the Airbus A320neo family, the A319neo shares cockpit commonality with its bigger siblings and offers a 3,750 nautical mile range with a passenger capacity of up to 160. Although its size may exceed the Boeing 717, it appeals to airlines seeking fleet standardization and long-term investment in standard airframes.

For example, Spanish carrier Volotea (and Europe’s last Boeing 717 operator) replaced its 717 fleet with the older Airbus A319ceo variant in 2021. Now the company operates the aircraft successfully on the same short routes between small Mediterranean airports, mainly across Italy and Spain.

However, the A319neo has seen limited interest, with most airlines opting for the larger A320neo or A321neo due to better per-seat economics. Still, its range and compatibility with existing Airbus operations make it an option for carriers like American or Delta that already have large Airbus narrowbody fleets. All in all, having a look at Hawaiian Airlines’ fleet, acquiring the Airbus A319neo might not be a bad idea after all, as the airline already operates a significant Airbus A321 and Airbus A330 fleet.

While not a perfect replacement in size, the A319neo may serve niche roles where airlines seek aircraft continuity over operational fit. In limited-use scenarios or for longer-haul thin routes, it could complement newer regional jets.

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How Many Of Hawaiian Airlines’ 24-Year-Old Boeing 717s Are Still Flying?

Hawaiian Airlines has long depended on the Boeing 717 for its inter-island routes, making the aircraft an integral part of daily operations.

Hawaiian Airlines: A Key Case Study

The airline most associated with the Boeing 717 today is Hawaiian Airlines, which flies 19 examples on its dense inter-island network. Its operations depend on quick turnarounds, robust airframes, and a right-sized aircraft for sub-200-mile hops. Finding a modern jet that fits this profile is no easy task, and, according to the Beat of Hawaii, Hawaiian has reportedly explored both the Airbus A220 and Embraer E195-E2.

The airline faces a challenge in balancing fleet modernization with unique market constraints, like small airport infrastructure and tight scheduling. The A220’s superior economics make it a compelling choice, though Embraer’s lighter airframe may be more nimble for very short hops.

Ultimately, Hawaiian’s decision could set a precedent also for Delta Air Lines, another major 717 operator. A successful transition would demonstrate the viability of next-generation regional aircraft in highly specialized route networks.

What Lies Ahead For Regional Aviation?

As the aviation world turns to quieter, greener, and more efficient aircraft, the retirement of jets like the Boeing 717 is inevitable. However, its departure opens the door for exciting innovations in regional and short-haul air travel. Aircraft like the Airbus A220 and Embraer E-Jets are redefining what regional jets can offer in both performance and passenger experience.

Airlines must now weigh fleet cohesion, support availability, and future regulatory pressures when choosing replacements. The ability to reduce carbon emissions, enhance customer experience, and improve profitability will be critical. Fortunately, modern aircraft are designed with these challenges in mind.

The future of regional aviation looks bright, thanks to technologically advanced and flexible aircraft families ready to take the baton. While the Boeing 717 bows out, its legacy lives on through newer aircraft that will serve global airlines for decades to come.

Launch Customer(s)

AirTran Airways

First Delivery

September 2, 1999