The Boeing 727-200 is the stretched, higher-capacity version of the original 727-100 trijet airliner. Introduced in 1967, the 727-200 was developed in response to airline demands for more seating and better operating economics while maintaining the 727’s versatility for medium-range routes and limited infrastructure airports.

The 727-200 retained the trijet layout and rear airstair of the 727-100, but with a 6.1-meter (20 ft) fuselage stretch to accommodate more passengers. Over time, it became the most popular version of the 727, with over 1,200 units built, serving major airlines across the globe.

A later version, the 727-200 Advanced, introduced in 1981, included aerodynamic and engine improvements, increased range, and higher gross weight options, making it even more competitive in the evolving airline market.

Key Specifications (727-200 Advanced)

• Crew: 3 (2 Pilots, 1 Flight Engineer).
• Capacity: Typically 134–189 passengers.
• Length: 46.69 m (153 ft 2 in).
• Wingspan: 32.92 m (108 ft 0 in).
• Height: 10.36 m (34 ft 0 in).
• Max Takeoff Weight (MTOW): ~95,300 kg (210,000 lb).
• Engines: 3 × Pratt & Whitney JT8D-15 or JT8D-17 turbofans.
• Cruise Speed: Mach 0.84 (~885 km/h or 550 mph).
• Range: ~4,600 km (2,860 mi) for the Advanced model.
• Ceiling: ~42,000 ft (12,800 m).

Notable Features

• Stretched fuselage offering increased passenger or cargo capacity over the 727-100.
• Improved high-lift wing devices and triple-slotted flaps for better short-field performance.
• 727-200 Advanced variant added greater range, efficiency, and payload capacity.
• T-tail and rear-mounted engine layout allowed operation from airports with limited ground clearance.
• Built-in rear airstair, maintaining flexibility in airport operations.

Variants

• 727-200 – Standard stretched version with higher seating capacity.
• 727-200 Advanced – Improved version with better range, engine thrust, and operating efficiency.
• 727-200F – Freighter conversion of the -200, either factory-built or aftermarket.
• 727-200 Super 27 – Noise-compliant upgrade with hush kits and re-engining (often with JT8D-217s or -219s).

Operators & Usage

• Widely used by airlines such as Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, Pan Am, and British Airways.
• Served domestic and international routes, especially before the rise of twin-engine wide-bodies.
• Many aircraft were later converted to freighters and served with carriers like FedEx and DHL.
• Several 727-200s have been preserved in museums or adapted for VIP, government, or private use.