MD-80 DeltaDelta Airlines MD 80 airplane model. In response to the rising fuel costs of the mid 1970s, McDonnell Douglas presented the perfect solution for DC 9 operators: new versions of the DC 9 50. One of these versions was the DC 9 Super 80, which debuted in October 1977. With an increased wingspan of 14 ft. 5 in. and fuselage length of 14 ft. 2 in., this model could accommodate up to 172 passengers. In June of 1983, McDonnell Douglas announced a new MD