Keychain made of: DC9-31 Northwest N920RW

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.

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.