Pan American World Airways originally requested the DC-7 in 1945, as a civilian version of the C-74 Globemaster military transport. It cancelled its order shortly afterward. American Airlines revived the designation when it requested an extended-range DC-6 for its transcontinental services. At the time, the Lockheed Constellation was the only aircraft capable of making a non-stop coast-to-coast flight in both directions. Douglas was reluctant to build the aircraft until AA president C. R. Smith placed a firm order for twenty-five at a price of $40 million, covering Douglas's development costs.