The MD-90 is the newest model in the McDonnell Douglas family of commercial airliners. It is a mid-size, medium-range transport which entered commercial service in 1995 with Delta Air Lines in the United States.

Hwa-Hsia Leasing Ltd., a subsidiary of China Development Corp., is the leading aircraft leasing company in Taiwan. Strategically, Hwa-Hsia is aggressively marketing the aircraft leasing business in Taiwan as well as in the Asia/Pacific region.

"With air travel in Asia growing more than eight percent a year -- faster than any other area -- there will be major expansions of airline fleets," said Hwa-Hsia President Jeffrey C.J. Cheng. "We will help meet the need by leasing the best, most versatile aircraft to the operators. Our evaluation showed the MD-90 is the right aircraft to offer."

The Hwa-Hsia MD-90s will be Series 30 models with seats for 155 passengers in a two-class arrangement. An advanced cabin interior features five abreast seating in the economy section, on-board entertainment systems and generous space in enclosed overhead bag racks for passengers' carry-on luggage.

MD-90s are powered by a pair of fuel efficient International Aero Engines V2500 high bypass ratio turbofan engines, each rated at 25,000 pounds takeoff thrust. Their low noise levels and low exhaust emissions make the MD-90 the quietest and cleanest large commercial jetliner now in service. The engines let the aircraft take off at maximum gross weight from a 7,105 foot (2,165 m) runway, and cruise at more than 500 m.p.h. (800 km/hr) at an altitude of 35,000 feet (10,668 m).

The MD-90 is 152.6 feet (46.5 m) long, with a wing span of 107.8 feet (32.87 m). Maximum takeoff weight is 156,000 pounds (70,760 kg). Fuel capacity is 5,840 gallons (22,104L); with a full passenger load the aircraft has non-stop range of 2,400 statute miles (3,820 km). An advanced technology cockpit is served by a crew of two pilots.

Cargo holds under the cabin floor have 1,300 cu. ft.

(36.8 cu. m.) of space, leaving valuable extra room for revenue-producing air freight after passenger bags are loaded.

MD-90s are produced by the Douglas Aircraft division of McDonnell Douglas in Long Beach, Calif. In addition to Delta Air Lines, current operators are Reno Air in the United States, Japan Air System, and China Northern Airlines in the People's Republic of China. Scheduled to join the list with aircraft to be delivered this summer is Scandinavian Airline System in Europe.