The Boeing 717 was the ultimate development of the Douglas DC-9 airliner that was first developed in the 1960s. Originally designated the MD-95, it was rebadged as the 717 when McDonnell-Douglas merged with Boeing in 1997.

First planning of the MD-95 commenced in 1987 but it went through a number of iterations before emerging as virtually an updated DC-9-30 with new avionics, engines and tail.

Production commenced in May 1997 and the first one flew on 2 September 1998.

Although it was efficient and popular with airlines competition from other manufacturers meant that production ended in 2006 after only 156 were produced.

QantasLink was established in 2002, comprising three Qantas subsidiary airlines, to provide airline services on Australia’s regional and remote routes.

This model represents VH-IMP in service with QantasLink around 2006.

PAS Models 1/144 kit with Hawkeye decals completed by Leigh Edmonds in May 2016.