How Many DC-10s Are Still Flying?

The McDonnell Douglas DC-10, first introduced in 1971, was designed to meet the demands for long-range, high-capacity travel, positioning itself between the wide-body giants and smaller jets of its era. But how many are still flying today and where can you see them?

Known for its distinctive trijet layout, with two engines under the wings and one integrated into the tail, the DC-10 was a popular choice for both passenger and cargo transport due to its range, load capabilities, and suitability for a number of purposes. Throughout its commercial life, the DC-10 was operated by airlines worldwide, including American Airlines, United Airlines, and KLM.

Despite a troubled start due to a series of high-profile incidents in the 1970s, the DC-10 eventually gained a strong reputation for reliability, especially in cargo operations. After McDonnell Douglas ceased production in 1989, many DC-10s continued flying in freighter roles, with some retrofitted as the MD-10 in partnership with FedEx, offering an updated cockpit.

KC-10A Retired

USAF KC-10

One of the DC-10’s most enduring roles has been as the KC-10A Extender, a refueling and transport variant flown by the United States Air Force.

Recently, the Air Force retired its last KC-10A, marking the end of an era for the DC-10 in military service and contributing to the significant decline in active DC-10s worldwide. The type flew its final flight on 26 September 2024, with examples being sent to museums or long term storage.

Who Flies the DC-10 Today?

Today, only a few DC-10 aircraft remain in operation, primarily as freighters or in specialized roles, such as firefighting.

Cargo Three

This Panamanian cargo airline has a single DC-10 aircraft flying as a freighter. It is actually a former FedEx MD-10 example, with the registration HP-1755CTW, and is based at Panama City Pacifico International.

The airline has two other MD-10s it plans to bring into service.

TAB Airlines

Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores from Perú, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Transportes Aéreos Bolivianos, or TAB Airlines, is a cargo carrier based in Bolivia. It has a former FedEx MD-10-30 freighter in service, which can often be seen flying into Miami, FL.

It has the registration CP-2791.

Omega Air

Omega Air DC-10 (c) Phil Vabre

Aerial refuelling specialist Omega Air operates three DC-10 tankers. They are N235UL, N264DE and N974VV. The latter is the only flying example of a DC-10-40 and previously flew for Japan Airlines.

The other two started life with Martinair Holland.

10 Tanker Air Carrier

Infinimeme, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

One of the most specialist roles the DC-10 has been called to operate is that of airborne firefighting unit, and 10 Tanker Air Carrier of California has four DC-10-30 examples in service.

These are modified airliners which now carry large quantities of fire retardant which is dropped over wildfires.

Project Orbis

Melvin Debono, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Another unusual modification of a DC-10 airliner is this example used as a flying eye hospital, bringing much-needed support to the poorest people around the world.

This MD-10, N330AU, previously flown by FedEx as a freighter, now has surgeries and medical equipment on board where doctors can perform lifesaving eye surgeries and treatments.

Find out more and support Orbis here.

While there are not many active examples, aviation enthusiasts eager to see a DC-10 may still find them at some museums around the world, or in long term storage.

Did you ever fly on a DC-10? Have you seen one recently? Leave a comment below!