McDonnell Douglas MD-87

In 1996, Californian leased 3 MD-87 aircraft from American Airlines, filling a smaller capacity gap with the retirement of some older DC-9 aircraft. These aircraft were repainted in a unique livery, featuring a bare metal fuselage, along with the grey American Airlines accents on the nose and tail.

These aircraft were given back to American in 1999 when Californian's first Boeing 717-200 entered service.