From Runway to Fairway: The Story Behind Our Delta 717 Golf Ball Markers

The Boeing 717 played a key role in Delta Air Lines’ short-haul fleet for years. Today, material from these aircraft is being reused in a new way. Delta 717 golf ball markers are made from authentic aircraft skin, turning a retired jet into a functional item used on the green.

What Is the Boeing 717?

The Boeing 717 was originally developed as the McDonnell Douglas MD-95, the final evolution of the DC-9 family. After Boeing merged with McDonnell Douglas in 1997, the aircraft was renamed the Boeing 717 and entered service in 1999.

By Anna Zvereva from Tallinn, Estonia - Delta Air Lines, N991AT, Boeing 717-23S, CC BY-SA 2.0, Link

The 717 was designed to replace aging DC-9s and similar short-haul aircraft that had been in service since the 1960s and 1970s. Airlines needed a modern aircraft that could handle frequent, short-distance flights with improved fuel efficiency, lower maintenance costs, and quieter operation.

During the 1990s, the airline industry was shifting toward more efficient fleets and higher-frequency service between regional cities and major hubs. The 717 was built specifically for this environment. Its size, typically seating around 100 passengers, made it ideal for routes that were too large for regional jets but did not require larger narrowbody aircraft like the Boeing 737 or Airbus A320.

The aircraft featured rear-mounted Rolls-Royce BR715 engines, a T-tail design, and a proven airframe derived from decades of DC-9 development. These design elements contributed to its reliability, durability, and strong performance on short runways and in high-cycle operations.

Major operators of the Boeing 717 included AirTran Airways, Hawaiian Airlines, QantasLink, and Delta Air Lines, which eventually became the largest operator of the type. These airlines used the 717 primarily for short-haul domestic routes, inter-island service in Hawaii, and high-frequency shuttle-style operations.

Boeing 717 production facility in Long Beach, California. By John Murphy - Vistas, CC BY-SA 2.0, Link

Despite its strong performance, the 717 faced challenges in the marketplace. By the early 2000s, airlines were increasingly favoring larger, more versatile aircraft like the Boeing 737 Next Generation and Airbus A320 family, as well as smaller regional jets for lower-demand routes. This shift reduced demand for 100-seat aircraft, and Boeing ended production of the 717 in 2006.

Over time, many of the roles once filled by the 717 have been taken over by newer aircraft such as the Airbus A220 and Embraer E-Jet family, which offer improved fuel efficiency and updated technology while serving a similar market segment.

Even so, the Boeing 717 remains an important part of modern aviation history. It represents the final link in the DC-9 lineage and a transitional moment in airline fleet strategy, bridging older designs with the next generation of short-haul aircraft.

Delta Air Lines and the 717 Fleet

How many Boeing 717s did Delta operate?

Delta Air Lines operated a fleet of 88 Boeing 717 aircraft, making it the largest operator of the type in the world.

Most of these aircraft entered Delta’s fleet beginning in 2013, when the airline acquired them from AirTran Airways following its merger with Southwest Airlines. Southwest chose not to integrate the 717 into its fleet, creating an opportunity for Delta to take over the aircraft and put them into service.

N987AT - Boeing 717-231 - AirTran Airways flickr photo by Colin Brown Photography shared under a Creative Commons (BY 2.0) license

Delta used the 717 primarily for short-haul domestic routes, where its size and efficiency made it a strong fit. With seating for around 110 passengers, it filled the gap between larger regional jets and mainline narrowbody aircraft like the Boeing 737.

One of the key advantages of the 717 for Delta was its role as a DC-9 replacement. Delta had operated DC-9s for decades, and the 717 provided a modern, more efficient successor while maintaining similar capacity and performance. This allowed for a smoother transition in operations, training, and maintenance.

The aircraft became known for its reliability and high utilization, often flying multiple segments per day. It played an important role in connecting smaller cities to major hubs such as Atlanta, Detroit, and Minneapolis. Delta also invested in cabin updates, bringing the interiors in line with the rest of its fleet and extending the aircraft’s usability.

Delta N969AT: Boeing 717-200 flickr photo by formulanone shared under a Creative Commons (BY-SA 2.0) license

The 717 remained in active service with Delta into the 2020s. As part of its long-term fleet strategy, Delta has begun transitioning to newer aircraft such as the Airbus A220, which offers improved fuel efficiency, range, and updated passenger experience. While the A220 is gradually taking over many of the 717’s routes, the aircraft remains an important part of Delta’s recent history and a key step in the airline’s fleet modernization. Read more about another Delta 717 MotoArt has worked with.

How Aircraft Material Becomes a Golf Ball Marker

After retirement, aircraft are typically dismantled and recycled. Some materials, however, can be preserved and repurposed. For these golf ball markers, the MotoArt PlaneTags team removed the skin from retired Boeing 717s. The aluminum is cut into circular shapes, finished, and engraved. Like the original PlaneTags, each piece retains characteristics of the original aircraft material, including subtle variations in surface and color. This process creates a functional object while preserving a portion of the aircraft’s history.

What Is a Golf Ball Marker Used For?

Golf is a game of precision, especially on the green. Small adjustments in position can impact the outcome of a putt.

A golf ball marker is used to mark the position of a ball on the green. This allows the ball to be lifted and replaced in the exact same spot without affecting play. A ball marker helps maintain consistency and fairness. While simple in function, it is used frequently during a round, making it a practical item for personalization.

Markers are commonly used when:

• A ball is in another player’s putting line

• A ball needs to be cleaned

• Players want to avoid interference during putting

Because placement accuracy matters, markers are a standard part of the game. Many golfers choose markers that reflect their interests, making them both functional and collectible.

A New Format for Aviation Collectibles

PlaneTags are traditionally known as luggage tags or keychain collectibles made from real aircraft skin. These Delta 717 golf ball markers introduce a different way to collect the planes we love. Instead of a keychain, the material is used in a way that fits naturally into another activity.

Explore More from Delta Air Lines

The Delta 717 is one of many aircraft represented in the PlaneTags collection. In April 2024, Delta Boeing 717 PlaneTags were made from N987DN. MotoArt has created PlaneTags from a range of Delta aircraft, including:

• Boeing 727

• MD-88

• Boeing 767

Each piece is made from real retired aircraft and reflects a specific part of Delta’s history. Explore the Delta Air Lines Collection.

The Boeing 717 was designed for efficiency and consistency in the air. Today, its material continues to serve a purpose in a different setting. These golf ball markers offer a practical way to use and preserve a piece of aviation history.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a golf ball marker?

A golf ball marker is a small object used to mark the position of a ball on the green. It allows players to lift and clean their ball or move it out of another player’s line, then replace it in the exact same spot.

What are these Delta 717 golf ball markers made from?

These golf ball markers are made from authentic aluminum skin from retired Delta Air Lines Boeing 717 aircraft. Each piece is cut, finished, and engraved from real aircraft material.

Are all golf ball markers the same?

No. Because these markers are made from real aircraft skin, each one may show slight variations in color, texture, or wear. These differences reflect the history of the original aircraft.

How big is a golf ball marker?

Most golf ball markers are small and easy to carry in a pocket. These Delta 717 markers are approximately 1.5 inches in diameter, making them easy to use on the green without interfering with play.

Can you use any object as a ball marker in golf?

Yes, as long as it does not interfere with another player’s putt. Many golfers choose coins or small markers, but purpose-made golf ball markers are preferred for consistency and visibility.

Is this a collectible or meant to be used?

Both. These Delta 717 golf ball markers are fully functional on the course, but they are also designed as aviation collectibles. Many customers choose to use them regularly or keep them as part of a collection.

How are the markers packaged?

Each marker is sealed in a clear protective sleeve with information about the aircraft, with collections placed in a premium box suitable for display or gifting.

What other Delta aircraft products are available?

MotoArt has created PlaneTags from a variety of Delta Air Lines aircraft, including the 757, MD-88, 767, DC-3, and more. Explore the Delta Air Lines Collection