Genuine Eastern Airlines Douglas DC-8-2 PlaneTag Tail # N8609 Overview:

This Douglas DC-8-2 tail number N8609 was delivered to Eastern Air Lines in October 1960 and flew with the airline until 1974. After a short stint with Air Caledonia, ‘8609 was retired and stored for decades. MotoArt rescued this hidden gem in 2021.

Eastern was the launch customer for the DC-8-21, calling it the DC-8 B, and the model became Eastern’s first jet. The DC-8-21s took over longer non-stop routes, such as New York and Chicago to Miami and Mexico City and Bermuda. N8609 was one of Eastern’s 16 DC-8-21s, and one of a total of 33 that were built. Eastern proudly presented it as the most advanced and dependable jet, with power to spare. Its livery touted “Fly Eastern’s Golden Falcon Jet DC-8B”.

N8609 originally wore a red, white and blue Golden Falcon livery, but the majority of its years with Eastern it was wrapped in the New Mark/Hockey Stick scheme, with a Caribbean Blue swath above the Ionosphere Blue cheat-line which swooped up like a hockey stick parallel to the forward edge of the tail. The Golden Falcon was replaced with a new streamlined, minimalist falcon in white against a dark blue background. The design was meant to project an image of a safe, reliable airline. The New Mark colors and style, with several modifications over the years, would remain until Eastern Air Lines stopped flying in 1991. 

• 1960 Douglas DC-8-2 was made from the skin of Eastern Airlines tail number N8609
• Limited edition tag with only 5000 copies made
• Each tag is individually numbered
• Includes an attractive and strong metal loop to keep it attached
• Back side provides space to write your name, address, and phone number
• Can be used as a luggage tag, key ring or decorative accessory

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. The images on this website are provided for reference only and should not be used as the sole basis for choosing a particular PlaneTag.

SAFETY NOTICE: Not recommended for children under 8 years of age. This product contains original chemical-based paint which may cause respiratory irritation if ingested or inhaled in large quantities. Keep out of mouth.