1963-1976

The popular DC-8 was Douglas' first jet powered airliner, and the USA's second successful jet powered transport behind the Boeing 707. The DC-8 was officially announced in July 1955. Four versions were offered to begin with, all based on the same 45.9 m long airframe with a 43 m wingspan, but varying in engines and fuel capacity with maximum weights between 120 and 130 tonnes. First flight was planned for December 1957 and entry into revenue service for 1959. Well aware that they were lagging behind Boeing, Douglas began a major push to market the product.The DC-8-50 series had more powerful engines than the previous versions, and many of the earlier DC-8's were converted to this standard, iving them an increased range over the previous versions.
So did Swissair, which converted the DC-8-32 HB-IDB, and bought an additional DC-8-53. Balair also operated a DC-8-55.

HB-IDB	Douglas DC-8-53 # 45417/69	19.06.1960 (1964) 25.02.1976	Genève Delivered new to Swissair as DC-8-32 HB-IDB. In 1964 it was converted to DC-8-53, and renamed Genf. In 1976 it was sold to SATA as HB-IDB, then re-registered LX-IDB with TAG Aeronautics, Air Algerie and Cargolux. Then with PIA Pakistan International, Biman Bangladesh under same Registration. Thereafter 5A-DGL and later 5A-DJD with African International Airlines. Afterwards N3951 with Excelair. The Aircraft was broken up in 1984 in Brussels.
HB-IDD	Douglas DC-8-53 # 45656/191	26.10.1963 13.09.1970	Nidwalden Delivered new to Swissair as HB-IDD. Aircraft was hijacked on a flight from ZRH to JFK. The plane was blown up by the terrorists after the passengers had been released.
non-Swissair
HB-IDU	Douglas DC-8-55F		Aircraft operated by Balair, Swissair's Subsidiary.

• Airliners.net overview of the DC-8
• Dc-8 Fanpage
• History of the DC-8 and all its subvariants

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