at first boeing had no more success selling the 717 than mcdonnell douglas. even the original order for 50 was no certainty in the chaotic post-deregulation united states airline market. assembly started on the first 717 in may 1997. the aircraft had its roll out ceremony on june 10, 1998. the 717's first flight took place on september 2, 1998. following flight testing, the airliner was awarded a type certification on september 1, 1999. its first delivery was in september 1999 to airtran airways, which had been previously named valujet. commercial service began the following month. trans world airlines (twa) ordered 50 717s in 1998 with an option for 50 additional aircraft.