N948TW

This airframe, registered as N948TW, is a McDonnell Douglas MD-83 (DC-9-83) built in 1987 with manufacturer's serial number 49575. The aircraft is owned by KC AVIATION STEM INC (a corporation) based in Kansas City, MO, US, and is registered in the United States. Its documented history for this entry highlights a preserved high-density passenger interior and a museum/heritage-oriented restoration in TWA 'Wings of Pride' display livery, reflecting a late-life conversion from scheduled airline service to heritage operations and public display. Condition notes emphasize a configuration suitable for passenger operations and exhibition rather than intensive commercial airline revenue flying.

This specific MD-83 carries a high-density single-class cabin layout with approximately 172 seats, configured for typical short- to medium-haul passenger capacity. The aircraft has been restored in a heritage display scheme and is presented for museum and heritage operations rather than intensive scheduled airline duty. Typical mission profiles for this airframe would include short- to medium-range passenger shuttles, special event charter flights, and static or operational display appearances within the operator’s Kansas City, Missouri base region. Maintenance considerations for this airframe reflect the JT8D-219 engine type and airframe age; continued operation in a heritage role tends to emphasize airworthiness inspections, cosmetic preservation, and systems checks tailored to occasional flight operations and public demonstrations.

The MD-83 belongs to the DC-9/MD-80 family, positioned as a medium-density short- to medium-range narrowbody with a cruise speed around 472 kts and a service ceiling near 37,000 ft. In the market, the family historically competed with later-generation narrowbodies for medium-haul sectors but now primarily serves secondary roles such as corporate, cargo, or heritage operations. Buyers and operators considering this airframe type factor in age-related maintenance, parts availability for the JT8D-219, and the niche demand for vintage passenger experiences or specialized charter roles.