The McDonnell Douglas DC-9 played a significant role in the history of aviation, leaving a lasting impact on the industry. Northwest Airlines was one of the largest operators of the DC-9, utilizing the aircraft extensively throughout its fleet, enabling the airline to expand its domestic and regional routes. N920RW, a DC-9-31, served the final 19 years of a 37 year long career with Northwest before retirement in 2005, and becoming a PlaneTags legend in 2023.

Read more about it on our blog: DC-9: Northwest Airlines Iconic Workhorse

OUR PLANE'S STORY

S/N 47163 rolled out of the McDonnell Douglas Aircraft plant and took its first flight on January 12, 1968. Like many of the DC-9s at the time, its career would span decades, outlast airlines, and land them right in the middle of some of the most expansive and turbulent times in the airline industry. 

Beginning its career in February 1968 as N8940E with Eastern Air Lines, it flew short to medium haul routes to smaller and intermediate sized cities. In 1977, re-registered as N920RW, it began flying with Hughes Airwest, which was bought out in 1980 by Republic Airlines, who operated the largest DC-9 fleet in the world. In October 1986, N920RW changed its colors once again when Republic and Northwest Airlines merged. After accumulating 96,653 total flight hours, N920RW retired in 2005. 

The DC-9's success contributed to the growth and profitability of Northwest Airlines and similar carriers, while its reliability and economic efficiency helped shape the future development of subsequent aircraft designs. Northwest was acquired by Delta Air Lines in 2008, who then became the first and last airline to fly scheduled DC-9 flights. The DC-9 was cemented in history as a reliable and efficient workhorse that connected smaller cities and airports to a wider range of destinations.   



Now is your chance to own a piece of Northwest Airlines history, a connection to the red and white DC-9s that inspired you to travel. Add Northwest DC-9 PlaneTags to your collection today.

Northwest®- DC-9- N920RW

Characteristics:

• Manufacturer: McDonnell Douglas
• Tail #: N920RW
• Crew: 4 (Two Pilots & Two Flight Attendants)
• Passengers: 105
• Wing Span: 119 ft 3 in
• Length: 93 ft 5 in
  
• Height: 27 ft 6 in
  

Performance:

• Range: 1,670 nmi
  
• Max Cruise Speed: 485 knots
  
• Ceiling: 37,000 ft
• Empty weight: 57,190 lb
• Max Takeoff: 108,000 lb
• Rate of Climb: 2,850 ft / minute
• Engine: 2x PRATT & WHITNEY JT8D-9A TURBOFANS

DISCLAIMER

DELTA® , Northwest airlines® associated emblems and logos are registered trademarks or trademarks in the USA and used under license by MotoArt PlaneTags LLC.

PlaneTags are Handmade Aviation Tags

• Authentic - made from actual retired aircraft fuselage, not merely stamped metal. 
• Unique -  each PlaneTag bears the color, thickness, and wear and tear from the portion of the fuselage from which it was cut and it is therefore rare to create two identical PlaneTags. 
• Collectible - each one is numbered in a limited edition and comes attached to a display card. 
  
• Versatile - comes with a durable metal ring, strong enough to attach to luggage or keys or display.

- Please Note: Due to limited quantities, combination colors you may receive will vary.

*Important Notice – Please Read Carefully

PlaneTags are made from actual retired aircraft fuselage, not merely stamped metal. Because PlaneTags are made from real fuselage, each PlaneTag bears the color, thickness, and wear and tear from the portion of the fuselage from which it was cut and it is therefore rare to create two identical PlaneTags. These variations and imperfections are not product flaws. They are part of the beauty of PlaneTags. As a result, you will not have an option to select the color of your PlaneTag. The images on this website are provided for reference only and should not be used as the sole basis for choosing a particular PlaneTag.