The Boeing 747 marked the beginning of the wide-body era and forever transformed international air travel. Today, the world’s last remaining Northwest Airlines 747-100 in the original “Bowling Shoe” livery — N603US — is at risk of disappearing forever.

This 54-year-old 747-151 rolled off the assembly line on May 10, 1970, as the 45th 747 ever built, and was delivered to Northwest Orient Airlines on May 22, 1970. She flew exclusively for Northwest her entire life, wearing both the Northwest Orient livery and later the iconic “Bowling Shoe” colors — always under the proud registration N603US.

More than just a retired aircraft, she is a true survivor. In 1987, she experienced a nose gear collapse at London Gatwick, sustained minimal damage, and was repaired — continuing her service for another 15 years. From 1970 until her retirement in 2002, this 747 was a workhorse for Northwest, operating countless domestic and international flights that helped define transpacific travel.

Today, she still sits at the very airport where she made her final landing in 2002, Lauringburg-Maxton Airport— her resting place for over two decades. But time is running out.

N603US is not just another airplane. She is the last complete Northwest Airlines BOEING 747 left to tell that story. With Northwest now part of Delta Airlines, tangible pieces of its legacy are vanishing. Once this aircraft is gone, there will be no first-generation Northwest 747 remaining to represent that history.

This petition is about acting before it’s too late. By restoring N603US and placing her in a museum, we can preserve a living link to the dawn of the jumbo jet era and honor the airline that helped shape modern global travel.

Let’s come together as admirers of aviation history to ensure this iconic aircraft receives the recognition it deserves. Sign this petition today to give N603US the permanent home she deserves — and protect an irreplaceable chapter of aviation history.