The DC-7 was the final propeller aircraft produced by Douglas. Despite it being the last of a generation, it caused quite a stir in the industry when it was introduced in the 1950s. The jet engine would enter the market in the same decade. However, before these turbines shook up United States aviation, the DC-7 opened up new doors for airlines in the country. //

American Airlines introduced this low-wing airliner on November 29th, 1953. The legacy carrier flew it on a route between New York and Los Angeles. With this move, the company became the first operator to offer nonstop transcontinental service in both directions. It was a massive deal to be able to fly westbound in the US against the prevailing winds. //

“The longer length of the DC-7 and DC-7B fuselage (over eight feet more than the DC-6), allowed room for an eight-passenger Sky Room, with facing seats, and a five-seat Sky Lounge, in addition to two main cabins. Delta’s DC-7 and DC-7B initially held 69 passengers in all first-class seating, except for four DC-7B which were delivered in 1957 with all-coach configuration for 90 passengers. Improvements in air conditioning and sound proofing provided additional comfort,”Delta Flight Museum shares. //

Boeing [Douglas] gave the DC-7C the title of Seven Seas, as it claimed it could transport 110 passengers “anywhere in the world.” Thus, SAS made the most out of its plane and launched its first “around the world” service on February 24th, 1957. Here, the airline was flying from Copenhagen to Tokyo via the North Pole.

Two DC-7Cs, Guttorm Viking and Reidar Viking, flew in each direction on the same day. By cutting through the Arctic, the carrier was able to shave 2,000 mi (3,219 km) off the journey.