The DC-10-30 was the most common model variant of the DC-10.  It was the second long-range model after the -40 and was very popular with European flag carriers.

The DC-10-30 was produced from 1972 to 1988 and was delivered to 38 different customers, including Lufthansa, Swissair, VARIG, KLM and Iberia were among the largest customers.  Its maiden flight was August 29, 1970.  The intercontinental range  DC-10-30 introduced more powerful engines, additional fuel tanks and a third main undercarriage unit.  The DC-10-30 incorporates three 218kN CF6-50As, 226.9kN CF6-50Cs or 233.5kN CF6-50C1s or C2s or 240.2kN CF6-50C2Bs.  The DC-10-30 has a maximum cruising speed of 982 km/h and a range of 7,505 km with max payload.

The primary users of the DC-10-30 are FedEx, Omni Air International, Arrow Air and Gemini Air Cargo.  Birman Bangaladesh Airlines operates five DC-10-30s as one of their primary passenger aircraft.