The Boeing 717 was specifically designed for the short-haul, high frequency 100-passenger airline market. The highly efficient 717 concluded its production run in May 2006, though the airplane will remain in service for years to come. The airplane was originally part of the McDonnell Douglas airplane family and designated the MD-95 prior to merger with The Boeing Co. in 1997. The program produced 156 717s and pioneered breakthrough business and manufacturing process for Boeing Commercial Airplanes.