As of 2026, the Boeing 717—originally designed as the McDonnell Douglas MD-95—is in the final sunset phase of its commercial life, with only two major operators remaining globally. Delta Air Lines is the largest operator, maintaining a fleet of roughly 80 aircraft used for high-frequency, short-haul routes from hubs like Atlanta and Minneapolis. However, Delta is actively phasing these out in favor of the more efficient Airbus A220. The other primary operator is Hawaiian Airlines, which uses a fleet of about 19 Boeing 717s for its vital inter-island "shuttle" flights. The 717 is uniquely suited for the Hawaiian market due to its ability to handle frequent takeoffs and landings (high cycle counts) on very short routes. Outside of these two, almost every other airline, including QantasLink and Volotea, has retired the 717, making it a rare find for aviation enthusiasts outside of the United States in 2026.