Northwest Airlines, number five in the pecking order of US airlines (behind American, United, Delta and Continental), and struggling along under Chapter 11 bankruptcy, plus all sorts of industrial problems, has put its serious difficulties behind it and announced a major order for 72 new aircraft split equally between Bombardier CRJ 900s and Embraer 175s.
Both aircraft will be offered in a dual class configuration with 12 premium class and 64 coach class seats. Concurrent with the purchase of these CRJ900 aircraft, Northwest has agreed to continue operating all 141 CRJ200/CRJ440 aircraft as part of the Northwest Airlink operation. Deliveries will start towards the end of 2007.
What makes the deal most interesting is that both airline and passengers will be able to compare the merits of each aircraft, with Northwest clearly the first port of call for any other carrier wishing to replace or add to its fleet.