The DC-10 is a wide-body trijet airliner that features two engines mounted on underwing pylons and a third engine at the base of the vertical stabilizer. The plane filled an industry need for a contemporary aircraft smaller than a 747 with long-range capabilities that could serve airports with shorter runways. Pan Americal World Airways, commonly called Pan Am, was the leading international air carrier of the United States from 1927 until 1991. The airline is credited for many innovations that shaped the international airline industry.