The DC-8 is one of the earliest jet-powered commercial passenger aircraft. In the decade following its maiden flight, the DC-8 established commercial transport world records for speed, altitude, distance and payload. From its inception, the four-engine DC-8 embodied advanced aerodynamic and structural concepts, as well as internal systems designed for maximum service reliability, operational convenience and passenger comfort. The last of 556 DC-8 aircraft was delivered on May 13, 1972, marking the end of 15 years of production, at which time there were 48 operators in 28 nations.