End of an era as DC-10 makes final passenger trip

Aviation enthusiasts have travelled from across the globe to fly on the DC-10's final passenger flight, which took off on a round trip from Birmingham this afternoon.

Chris Sloan and Dayan Hochman, both from the USA, said they simply had to make sure they were on the flight.

In pictures: Water arch celebrates final landing of DC-10

Water cannons were deployed at Birmingham Airport to celebrate the landing of the world's last-ever DC-10 passenger flight.

The model, which has been flying since the 70s, is being decommissioned by operator Biman Bangladesh to make way for newer models.

The airline hopes to launch Boeing 777 services from Birmingham to JFK and Dhaka after the airport's runway extension opening in the spring.

Enthusiasts credit the DC-10 with being one of the planes which helped make mass long-haul air travel possible.