Last Flying U.S. DC-8 Gets Permanent Home at Virginia Airport

Aircraft will become part of an interactive museum and pavilion open to the public.

Jack Daleo

Thursday, September 24, 2026 at 01:00 PM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

The last flying U.S.-registered Douglas DC-8 was retired and donated to Liberty University in 2025. [Credit: Samaritan’s Purse]

Key Takeaways:

The last flying U.S.-registered Douglas DC-8, retired from humanitarian missions with Samaritan's Purse, has been donated to Liberty University.
The aircraft will become the centerpiece of the "DC-8 Overlook" at Lynchburg Regional Airport, serving as a permanent aviation STEM and workforce-development destination.
Backed by a grant from Boeing, the project aims to inspire future generations of aviation professionals through aircraft tours, museum exhibits, and educational programs.

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The last flying U.S.-registered Douglas DC-8, retired in 2025, will soon take on a new mission—engaging and inspiring students and members of the public at Lynchburg Regional Airport (KLYH) in Virginia.

The venerable DC-8 was donated to Liberty University by North Carolina-based humanitarian relief organization Samaritan’s Purse. The Christian university plans to turn it into a “permanent, mission-focused landmark” at Lynchburg’s Preston Glenn Field and said Monday that the project is backed by a grant from Boeing.