55AB* = When Douglas made the DC-8F-54, DC-8F-55 & DC-8-55 models they were able to push the aft bulkhead further back into the tail and thus increase the cargo and/or passenger capacity. The Passenger Versions of the DC-8-55 (and two DC-8-53s) were made in two variants to accommodate airline requests. The first variant left the aft bulkhead location & interior the same as in earlier DC-8 variants and was designated by Douglas as the 'L' for "less aft bulkhead." This variant was ordered by Garuda, Japan Air Lines & KLM. The second variant included the relocation of the aft bulkhead further back & thus increased the interior size which accommodated up to 189 passengers (up from 179). This variant was designated by Douglas as the 'AB' for "aft bulkhead" (extension) and was ordered by SAS (DC-8-55) <Leased to Swissair> & VIASA (DC-8-53). If you would like to see a Complete List of Technical Information for All DC-8 Variants Please Click on the 'DC-8 Technical Information' Link on my Home Page.

SUMMARY OF SWISSAIR's DC-8 FLEET