McDonnell Douglas Logo

Between 1967 and 1997, McDonnell Douglas stood as a significant player in the American aerospace industry. This aircraft manufacturing powerhouse emerged from the unification of two pioneering aircraft companies, McDonnell Aircraft, and Douglas Aircraft, in 1967. With its headquarters in St. Louis, Missouri, McDonnell Douglas carved a notable reputation over the years, manufacturing a vast array of commercial and military aircraft.

The company’s contribution to the commercial aviation sector is characterized by the success of its notable jet models, such as the DC-9, DC-10, MD-80, and MD-11 airliners. In the defense sector, McDonnell Douglas’s legacy was stamped with the construction of aircraft such as the F-4 Phantom II, F-15 Eagle, F/A-18 Hornet, and AV-8B Harrier II, to name a few.

A significant shift in the company’s journey occurred in 1996 when McDonnell Douglas united with Boeing, transitioning into a division under Boeing’s umbrella, primarily concentrating on military assignments. Before this merger, particularly in the late 1980s, McDonnell Douglas was one of the largest aircraft manufacturers globally before Airbus ascended to this ranking.

McDonnell Douglas boasted an impressive track record of delivering over 30,000 aircraft and generating revenues surpassing $23 billion at its zenith. The company maintained a large workforce, employing more than 120,000 individuals. The integration with Boeing in 1997 ended the production of McDonnell Douglas’s commercial jets, as the focus shifted towards Boeing’s models.

Despite the cessation of its operations, McDonnell Douglas’s impact on the aviation industry remains significant. Its creations continue to serve global airlines and military forces, echoing the company’s substantial contributions to aviation history.