Trans World Airlines DC3 Douglas Commercial The Douglas DC-3 is a propeller-driven airliner manufactured by Douglas Aircraft Company, which had a lasting effect on the airline industry in the 1930s to 1940s and World War II First flight December 17, 1935 Introduction 1936, with American Airlines Produced 1936–1942, 1950 Number built 607 The WW2 or military DC3 was the C-47 and C-53, 10.048 were built for the was effort.