BCal DC10 pt 2

BCal's long haul fleet aspirations were based around wide-body jets from the early 1970s but it was 1976 before the first order was announced, two DC10-30s had been ordered. BCal's first DC10, Bravo Mike, arrived in March 1977 with Bravo Lima in April '77. Both set speed records on their delivery flights.

The decision to opt for the DC10 had been made over strong competition from the L1011 Tristar; also the 747-300 and SP variants were considered. Lockheed never came up with a long range Tristar in time to secure BCal's order and the 747 at the time was considered to big for the route network being flown.

The '10 proved to be an exceptionally capable aircraft, with the fleet aircraft often returning between 12 - 16 hours utilisation per day on the routes flown. They were seen everywhere, North and South America, the Middle East, the Far East, Africa, also Amsterdam and even briefly in Tripoli after the A310's were sold.

BCal's association with the tri-jet was planned to continue, an order was placed for the MD-11. The MD-11 was a development of the DC10 stretch 63, and offered the same flexibility of use, which would have suited most of BCal's routes at the time.

BCal operated a fleet of ten DC10 Series 30's, with three DC10 Series 10's operating for BCA Charter / Cal Air