The MD-80 is a twin-engine, short to medium-range commercial jet airliner developed by McDonnell Douglas. It first entered service in the late 1980s and is known for its distinctive T-tail design and efficient performance. The aircraft can typically seat between 130 to 172 passengers, depending on the configuration. The MD-80 series includes several variants, such as the MD-81, MD-82, and MD-83, each offering improvements in range and fuel efficiency. Although production ended in 1999, many MD-80s are still in operation today, primarily with regional airlines and charter services around the world.