Originally Posted by
jrl767
granted DL never purchased the DC-10, but they actually operated the type for awhile ~1970 while awaiting delivery of their first few TriStars ... I believe Lockheed actually arranged for the short-term leases
The Delta History Museum suggests that DL purchased the DC-10 and immediately sold and leased back the aircraft from UA. It also operated the DC-10 for a couple years after it merged with Western.
Aircraft By Type
It's also worth noting that NW operated the DC-10 for many years on various routes, including SEA-AMS.