Convair 880 880-M (Model 22-M)

The "-M" was the package modification of the basic 880. Four leading-edge slats were added to each wing, and Krueger leading-edge flaps between the fuselage and the inboard engines. The rudder became power-boosted, the engines gained thrust, fuel capacity increased, the landing gear was strengthened, and seat-pitch adjustment ranges were widened alongside a simpler overhead compartment arrangement.

The effect on the figures is visible in the Jane's table: empty weight rises from 87,400 to 94,000 lb and maximum take-off weight from 184,500 to 193,000 lb, with a slightly greater range — 2,503 nautical miles against 2,472 — thanks to the larger fuel capacity, including the optional centre-section tanks.

The type entered service with Delta Air Lines in May 1960, slightly modified as the 880-22M and fitted with newer-version CJ-805-3B engines. In that configuration it was also flown by Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines, Northeast Airlines, Swissair, TWA and VIASA.

The 880-M was produced in parallel with its larger derivative, the Convair 990, between 1961 and 1963. As the 880s left commercial service, many were bought by American Jet Industries for various uses: one was converted to a freighter in 1974 and flew until 1982 with several companies; another was used to train FAA flight examiners until it was destroyed by a minor cargo-hold explosion in 1995. Most of the remaining examples were scrapped by 2000.