More DC-10s Could Return to the Skies as Retired KC-10 Tankers Find New Operators – Airport Spotting

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The United States Air Force is investigating plans to restore up to four retired KC-10 Extenders for an unnamed North African country, while private aerial refuelling specialist Omega Air has acquired another ten aircraft with the intention of returning them to flying condition.

For aviation enthusiasts who thought the days of seeing DC-10s in the skies were numbered, this could be welcome news.

Four KC-10s Could Head to North Africa

On 7 October 2026, the US Air Force issued a request for information seeking companies capable of returning four stored KC-10 Extenders to operational condition.

The aircraft would be transferred to a partner nation in North Africa under the US Excess Defense Articles programme.

Although the intended recipient has not been named, Egypt and Morocco have been suggested as possible candidates. Both countries operate F-16 fighter aircraft which could benefit from the KC-10’s aerial refuelling capabilities.

The work would involve removing the aircraft from storage, carrying out extensive maintenance and inspections, and preparing them for delivery. The contract would also potentially include training and support for three to five years.

Importantly, this is still at the exploratory stage. No transfer has been confirmed, and there is no announced timetable for the aircraft to return to service.

Omega Air Plans to Restore Ten More KC-10s

Perhaps even more exciting for DC-10 enthusiasts is the news involving American aerial refuelling company Omega Air.

In May 2026, Omega Air announced that it had successfully acquired ten former USAF KC-10 Extenders through an auction.

The company intends to restore the aircraft to flying condition for use in contracted aerial refuelling operations, potentially significantly increasing the number of DC-10-derived aircraft still operating.

Omega Air is already a familiar name to fans of the DC-10. Its fleet includes three KDC-10 tankers, two of which previously served with the Royal Netherlands Air Force.

These aircraft are used to provide aerial refuelling services, primarily supporting military customers.

The ten newly acquired KC-10s were sold in non-airworthy condition, with engines and refuelling equipment requiring attention. Returning them to service will therefore be a substantial undertaking.

There is no confirmed date for their return, or indication that all ten will ultimately fly again.

Nevertheless, the prospect of seeing additional DC-10-family aircraft operating for years to come is an exciting one.

The KC-10 Extender: A DC-10 With a Military Career

The KC-10 Extender was developed from the McDonnell Douglas DC-10-30 airliner, retaining its distinctive three-engine configuration, widebody fuselage and long-range capabilities.

The US Air Force received 60 examples, with the type entering service in 1981.

Unlike the passenger DC-10, the KC-10 was equipped to refuel military aircraft in flight using both boom and hose-and-drogue systems. It could also transport passengers and cargo over considerable distances.

The USAF gradually retired the fleet as newer Boeing KC-46A Pegasus tankers entered service.

The final KC-10 was retired on 26 September 2024, departing Travis Air Force Base for storage at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Arizona.

This seemingly marked the end of an era for the type, although a number of civilian-operated DC-10 and MD-10 freighters and tankers have continued flying elsewhere.

Could We See More DC-10s Flying Again?

With the original passenger DC-10 long since retired from airline service, opportunities to see the type in action have become increasingly limited.

These two developments potentially offer a remarkable extension to the DC-10 family’s flying career.

While the North African proposal remains unconfirmed and Omega Air faces considerable work restoring its aircraft, there is now a realistic prospect of more KC-10s returning to the skies.

For fans of the DC-10, the story might not be over just yet.

Have you ever photographed or flown on a DC-10 or KC-10? Let us know your memories in the comments below!