Boeing To Phase Out Md-80, Md-90 Jets

The Boeing Co. probably will phase out the MD-80 and MD-90 aircraft models built by McDonnell Douglas, a Boeing executive said.

Bruce Dennis, vice president of marketing for Boeing Commercial Airplane Group, told a meeting of air-cargo here Tuesday that further development of the two single-aisle twin-jets “seems very unlikely.”

But the company is interested in keeping two other Douglas models in production, he said.

“The MD-11C and the MD-95 hold the most promise for continued future production and development,” Dennis said.

The MD-11C is a three-engine jumbo jet that often is sold as a freighter. The MD-95 is a new, 100-passenger variation of the MD-90.

Boeing, which merged with McDonnell Douglas this summer, is expected to decide the future of Douglas Aircraft by Nov. 1. Douglas, based in Long Beach, Calif., employs 11,000 workers.

Boeing paid $16 billion to buy McDonnell Douglas, its longtime rival, primarily for its defense and space business. In recent years, McDonnell Douglas’ commercial jet business has dwindled to a trickle.