UNITED AIRLINES
(USA)

Although United operated large numbers of 747-100, the airline needed also some aircraft to fill the gap between the jumbo jet and the long DC-8-61. After examining the pros and contras for and against DC-10 and Lockheed L-1011 and decided in favor of the DC-10 placing an order for 30 aircraft and 30 options. For Mc Donnell - Douglas this meant "green lights" for the DC-10 and United Airlines was to became the third largest DC-10 operator of all times. Although American Airlines was the first operator of the DC-10, United was the first one to introduce it on its coast to coast service, placing the new aircraft on the route between San Francisco and Washington DC. Beside the 30 originally ordered aircraft, eleven options were taken up and aircraft from Laker, Pan Am and World Airways were added to the fleet, bringing the total number to 59. For a short time, aircraft from CPAir / Canadian were operated in an exchange agreement (United DC-10-10 flew inner-Canadian routes while CP DC-10-30 flew intercontinental routes for United). On September 29th 1982, United Airlines had the honor of receiving the last DC-10-10, N1848U, to be built. Later, United was also dealt as launch costumer for the DC-10-61, but Mc Donnell - Douglas stopped this project (a mistake in my eyes). In 1989, the failure of all three hydraulic systems caused a heavy accident while N1819U attempted to land in Sioux City and only because of the pilots knowledge and experience, 184 of 196 people survived this crash (Click here for more information about the accident). United Airlines' last DC-10 service took place on February 14th 2001 from Las Vegas to Chicago/ O'Hare.
Nowadays, the DC-10 was replaced by 767-300s and 777s and only a few, including a hand full of DC-10-30Fs are in service with United. 59 aircraft flew for United and only launch costumer American Airlines and the world largest freight carrier, FedEx can top this number! The third largest airline of the world also operates 737-300/500, A319/320, 727-200, 757-200, 767-200/300, 777 and 747-200/400.

Following DC-10 aircraft have been written off during service with United Airlines:
N1819U, 46618/ 118


Additional information about United Airlines and the DC-10:
* Seatcharts of United Airlines' DC-10

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