Only three Douglas DC‑8 aircraft remain airworthy worldwide

Over time, multiple variants of the DC-8 were produced:

- Series 10 (initial variant)

- Series 20 (new engines)

- Series 30 (increased fuel capacity and aerodynamic upgrades)

- Series 40 (new engines)

- Series 50 (increased maximum takeoff weight)

- Super 60 Series (longer fuselage)

- Super 70 Series (new engines)

Production of the DC-8 continued from 1958 through 1972 with over 550 units built. The aircraft saw widespread use among both commercial airlines and cargo operators worldwide.

United Airlines became one of the largest domestic operators of the DC-8. Other U.S.-based carriers included Eastern Air Lines, National Airlines, Trans International, Braniff International, and Pan Am. Internationally, national carriers such as Air France, KLM, Japan Airlines, SAS, Avianca, VARIG, and South African Airways also operated the type on long-haul routes.

As aviation technology advanced in the late twentieth century—with new widebody jets offering better efficiency—the DC-8 was gradually phased out from passenger service. Many found second lives as freighters for companies like Flying Tigers, UPS, DHL, and Airborne Express well into the early 2000s.

The design of the DC-8 evolved from an initial single-length fuselage capable of seating up to 177 passengers to later stretched versions accommodating up to 259 passengers. Early models used Pratt & Whitney JT3C engines; subsequent variants featured options like Rolls-Royce RB.80 Conway or CFM International CFM56 engines.

Retirement of most DC-8s accelerated due to aging airframes requiring more maintenance as well as stricter noise and emissions regulations introduced in the late twentieth century. While re-engining some aircraft allowed them to meet Stage 3 noise standards during the 1990s [https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/noise_regulations], they could not comply with newer Stage 4 or Stage 5 requirements [https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/apl/noise_emissions/supersonic_aircraft_noise]. Additionally, modern twin-engine jets offered superior fuel efficiency and lower operating costs compared to older four-engine designs.

Today only three Douglas DC-8s remain airworthy globally:

1. OB-2231P: Manufactured over five decades ago for Air Canada before serving various cargo operators; currently operated by SkyBus Cargo Charters.

2. 9S-AJG: Originally delivered to United Airlines in June 1967; has since been flown by multiple carriers including Arrow Air and ATI before being acquired by Trans Air Cargo Service.

3. 9S-AJO: Delivered new to World Airways in March 1971; passed through several operators before joining Trans Air Cargo Service’s fleet.

Trans Air Cargo Service based in Democratic Republic of Congo operates two of these remaining airworthy examples.

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