Summary

• Only six DC-6s are currently flying, with some being used for shipping services in Alaska.
• Everts Air operates four DC-6s and has a fleet of cargo-configured vintage aircraft.
• The Flying Bulls, owned by Red Bull, fly a DC-6B that was once used by Yugoslavian leader Josip Broz Tito.

In the post-World War II market, Douglas introduced the DC-6, an aircraft aimed to develop popular commercial solutions. By 1949, the plane was flying with the likes of American Airlines, United Airlines, Pan American, Delta Air Lines, National Airlines, and Braniff. With over 70 years in the market, are any units still flying today?

A few remain out there

A total of 702 DC-6s were produced by Douglas between 1946 and 1958. The type was grounded between 1947 and 1948 due to a series of inflight series that led to a fatal crash. However, they were quickly back in the air.

The DC-6’s length was 30.66 meters (100 feet 7 inches), allowing it to increase its average capacity load to 52 passengers (with a maximum of 86 passengers in a theoretical high-density all-economy configuration).

Throughout its history, a total of 73 civilian DC-6As planes were built, plus 101 C-118A Liftmaster for the US Air Force. The DC-6B was made after the DC-6A. This model was strictly fitted as an airliner, with a typical passenger capacity of 54 passengers. A total of 288 DC-6Bs were built up until the end of production in 1958.

The Douglas aircraft sought to compete with the Lockheed Constellation. Developed from the DC-4, international operators included KLM, SAS, and Philippine Airlines.

Despite the initial program ending over six decades ago, some DC-6s remain flying out there. Per ch-aviation, a total of six DC-6s continue to operate out there. Others remain stored, on display in museums, and even as Airbnbs!

Where can we find the DC-6s?

The aircraft has notably been busy in Alaska in recent years. Fairbanks-based Everts Air has been putting the piston-powered plane to good use in shipping services.

Everts Air holds the DC-6, along with a plethora of other classics. The airline's fleet comes from both military and civil operators. All the units have cargo doors and are configured for freight missions. The average useful capacity is 3,000 cu ft, the average payload is 28,000 lbs, and the minimum runway length is 3,500 ft. The DC-6s are joined by the likes of the MD-82, MD-83, C-46, and the DC-9 to form a veteran lineup.

This company operates four DC-6s at the moment (December 2023). Their registration numbers are N100CE, N251CE, N444CE, and N651CE.

Florida Air Transport

The Miami Opa-Locka-based company has one active DC-6 at the moment. According to the company's website, this aircraft, registration N70BF, provides contract service for aerial dispersant services for emergency oil spill response.

The Flying Bulls

Perhaps the most widely known DC-6 flying out there, The Flying Bulls of Red Bull, currently operate a DC-6B registration OE-LDM. This aircraft is the crown jewel of the Flying Bulls. Built in 1958, it was used to chauffeur heads of state and was owned by the state-owned Yugoslavian airline JAT. At some point, Yugoslavia’s historic figure Josip Broz Tito employed it as a luxury model for himself and his celebrity guests. This plane has been flying for The Flying Bull since 2013.

Did you ever travel onboard a DC-6? How did you find the experience, and where did it happen? Let us know in the comments below.