Who still flies the DC-10 in 2020?

The McDonnell Douglas DC-10 was a true workhorse airliner which sadly we don’t see much of these days.

Built over a number of variants, it was capable of long-haul travel as well as high-density short- and medium-haul routes.

The DC-10 was common in the fleets of most international airlines, flying out of the world’s major hub airports. It was also used extensively by governments, cargo carriers, and in its military role as a tanker known as the KC-10.

So, who still flies the DC-10 in 2020? Here are a few examples:

FedEx Express

Probably the biggest operator of the DC-10 today (aside from the US Air Force) is FedEx Express. Their once huge fleet was mostly converted into the MD-10 variant, with upgraded avionics and 2-man cockpit.

Sadly many are finding their way to the desert this year.

Project Orbis

This charity which works to fight blindness has operated airliners in a ‘flying hospital’ configuration for many years. The current steed is N330AU, a former FedEx MD-10-30 which flew for Transamerica Airlines earlier in its life.

It’s based at Victorville, CA when not flying.

Royal Netherlands Air Force

One of the military operators of the DC-10, the Royal Netherlands Air Force still has two examples in service (one was retired recently). These aircraft operate in tanker and troop transport roles, and are based at Eindhoven.

Omega Air

Omega Air DC-10 (c) Phil Vabre

A private contractor which works with the military and other organisations. Its DC-10 aircraft are tankers capable of air-to-air refuelling. They are based in California, but can be seen on missions worldwide.

DC-10 Air Tanker

10 Tanker DC-10 (c) Alan Radecki. Creative Commons.

You may have seen images and videos of airliners fighting wildfires in the USA. One company is known as 10 Tanker Air Carrier and operates four DC-10s in this waterbomber configuration. They are: N17085, N603AX, N612AX and N522AX. A fifth example is due, N621AX.

US Air Force

USAF KC-10

The largest current operator of the McDonnell Douglas DC-10, albeit in the special KC-10 configuration which is used for cargo, troop transport and aerial tanker roles.

These aircraft are mostly based at McGuire AFB, NJ.

Some Preserved DC-10s

9G-ANB – La Tante Restaurant, near Accra Airport, Ghana.

Z-AVT – Tail mounted on restaurant, near Kerobokan, Indonesia

Flying Firsts

Find out more about the McDonnell Douglas DC-10, its important dates, history, technical specifics and dates in Flying Firsts, a new airliner reference book from Martyn Cartledge.

It covers all airliners and variants from the 1930s to the present day.

Order Here