Between the late 1960s and 1990s, the Douglas DC-9 was a very familiar sight at airports across the globe.
These twin-jet airliners, which were developed in different sizes to cater for different airline needs – and even spawned the later McDonnell Douglas MD-80 family of aircraft – were popular and capable.
However, in recent years they have now become a thing of the past.
According to the latest update of our book, Last Chance to Fly (available exclusively to Airport Spotting Premium Members), there is only one passenger operator of the DC-9 anywhere in the world.
However, one airline still retains a fleet almost 20 Douglas DC-9s (as well as many MD-80s), but it’s not one you can fly on.
Aeronaves TSM is a prominent Mexican airline specializing in cargo operations and private charters. Established in 1995, the airline is headquartered in Saltillo, Coahuila, and operates out of Ramos Arizpe International Airport. Over the years, Aeronaves TSM has built a reputation for its reliable freight services across Mexico, the United States, and Central America. The airline’s fleet is distinctive for its extensive use of classic aircraft, including Convair 640s and McDonnell Douglas DC-9s, alongside more modern jets like the Bombardier CRJ200 and Embraer ERJ145.
The Largest DC-9 Fleet
Aeronaves currently has a fleet of around 112 aircraft, with more being sourced regularly to cater for its growth.
At the time of writing, this carrier is the world’s largest operator of the Douglas DC-9, with some 19 examples active, and more set to arrive.
These comprise 7 of the smaller DC-9-10 variant, and 12 of the larger DC-9-30.
The fleet is all converted to carry cargo, and can be seen mostly flying out of the airline’s main hub at Saltillo Airport to Mexican regional airports, as well as internationally to airports in Texas, Alabama, Louisiana and Michigan.
Much of the flying is done on behalf of DHL’s worldwide network.
Historic Flying Pieces
![](https://www.airportspotting.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/DC-9s.jpg)
Former passenger DC-9s now flying for Aeronaves TSM. Photo (c) G B_NZ
None of these aircraft were delivered new to Aeronaves TSM, and all had a previous life flying passengers with airlines around the world.
Among the fleet you’ll find aircraft that once flew for airlines like Hughes Airwest, Continental Airlines, Swissair, Trans-Texas Airlines, KLM and even the Kuwaiti Air Force and United States Air Force.
With so few Douglas DC-9s still flying today, it makes the fleet of Aeronaves incredibly special and worth looking out for if you’re in Mexico or the United States.
Have you ever seen an Aeronaves TSM DC-9? Do you remember flying on DC-9s in years gone by? Leave a comment below!
Title image (c) Aeronaves TSM