First deliveries to American Airlines and United Airlines of the DC-10 in 1971.

Production was started in January 1968 and first deliveries were in 1971. In a production run extending to 1989, 386 commercial DC-10s were delivered, plus 60 KC-10 tanker/cargo models built for the U.S. Air Force.
Six commercial models of the DC-10 were developed. All versions of the trijet transport accommodate from 250 passengers, in a typical mixed first class and coach arrangement, to 380 in all-economy seating.
The wide DC-10 cabin interior with its broad ceiling resulted in a roomy spaciousness. Two aisles ran the length of the cabin. Aisles and seats wider than those on earlier jet transports, provided a level of passenger comfort and convenience that set a new standard in air travel.