Last DC-10 Rolled Off Assembly Line 18 Years Ago

For those still pining over the decision by Northwest Airlines to retire the last of its Douglas DC-10s earlier this year, there's a new trijet carrier waiting in the wings. Upstart United Arab Emirates carrier Kang Pacific Airlines plans to launch operations in October at Fujairah International Airport... and it will do so with a fleet of DC-10s.

The last DC-10 was produced in 1989 and still serves around the world, usually in a freighter capacity (as seen below.) Initiating service with an aging fleet shouldn't raise concern, however, according to the carrier.

Kang Pacific founder Paul Kang said his first two aircraft will be leased 20 year-old aircraft.

"When it comes to safety there are standards that the airline will have to abide by," he said. "I wouldn't be really concerned about safety, because there is a minimum standard and nobody is willing to compensate for the safety standard."

"There are plenty of examples of aging aircraft operating safely in the world," said David Kaminski-Morrow, editor at Air Transport Intelligence. "Just look at the Northwest Airlines' DC-9 fleet, some of which are 40 years old."

DC-10s are currently flown by an estimated 15 airlines worldwide including Biman Bangladesh Airlines.

Proper maintenance is paramount, Kaminski-Morrow said. "As long as the aircraft are kept in good condition, there is no reason why they should not be able to operate in accordance with airworthiness regulations."

Karim Murad, an airline analyst at investment bank Shuaa Capital, contends aircraft of that age are less efficient than today's aircraft, meaning higher maintenance and fuel costs, but that doesn't mean they're any less safe.

Kang has a maintenance contract with Lufthansa Technik in the Philippines.

FMI: www.kangpacificairlines.com, www.fujairah-airport.com