(FAA) certification in August 1959, the DC-8 entered service with Delta Air Lines on September 18.

Permitting six-abreast seating, the four-engined, low-wing jet aircraft was initially produced in four 151 ft long variants. The DC-8-10 was powered by Pratt & Whitney JT3C turbojets, and had a 273000 lb MTOW; the DC-8-20 had more powerful JT4A