The type gained considerable fame after being flown by Amelia Earhart and Fred Noonan on their ill-fated around-the-world expedition in 1937.

Some of Lockheed's wooden designs, such as the Orion, had been built by Detroit Aircraft Corporation with metal fuselages.

[5] After October 1934, when the US government banned single-engined aircraft for use in carrying passengers or in night flying, Lockheed was perfectly placed in the market with its new Model 10 Electra.

In addition to deliveries to US-based airlines, several European operators added Electras to their prewar fleets.

In Latin America, the first airline to use Electras was Cubana de Aviación, starting in 1935, for its domestic routes.

[42]General characteristics Performance Related development Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era