Northwest’s Fleet History Was Especially Diverse
Northwest’s fleet of aircraft over its long history was impressive. Throughout its long history, Northwest flew a wide variety of airplanes: DC-3s, DC-4s, DC-6s, DC-7s, DC-9s, DC-10s, Martin 2-0-2, Boeing 377 Stratocruiser, Lockheed L-188 Electra, Boeing 707s, 727s, 747s and 757s, plus a number of others. It tried utilizing Super Constellations and even Douglas DC-8s. Northwest later sealed a deal with Airbus and flew a large fleet of Airbus A319s, A320s, and A330s.
Many avgeeks remember that toward the end of their history, Northwest was known for flying an extensive network with elderly DC-9 aircraft. In the late 1990s, the airline decided to refurbish their fleet with modern interiors instead of buying newer and more efficient jets as other airlines were doing. The move did save the airline money initially. However, the rapid rise in fuel prices in the early 2000s led to significant expenses as they operated a fleet that was significantly less efficient than their competitors. Delta finally retired the last Northwest DC-9 (in Delta colors) in 2014.
Labor Relations And Coorporate Raiders Resulted In A Mixed Legacy Of Service
There are probably as many negative memories of Northwest too though. It wasn’t always in jest when air travelers would sometimes call the airline “Northworst.” The company was notorious for its turbulent labor relations and the numerous strikes it had to endure from its unions. Because the airline had such a strong presence in their hub and midwest cities, many passengers felt trapped by the need to fly on an airline with disappointing on-time arrivals, old aircraft, and disappointing service.
The airline was also known for its penny-pinching and severe cost-cutting measures, especially in the 1990’s and 2000’s, when corporate raiders used Northwest to make themselves rich at the expense of employees and their families, not to mention the flying public.
In the 1990s and 2000s Northwest suffered under economic and air travel downturns after the Gulf War and the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The airline’s previous debts, corporate governance challenges, and elderly aircraft put Northwest in a particularly vulnerable spot.
Northwest Reaches The End of Its Road
Northwest filed for bankruptcy in September 2005, and emerged from bankruptcy in May 2007 with a new paint scheme and a renewed emphasis on service. Unfortunately, that new forcus was short lived as the spike in oil prices in 2008 combined with the great recession forced a wave of consolidations between airlines in the industry.
In April 2008, Northwest announced it would merge with Delta Airlines. The merger was completed in January 2010, ending a proud legacy of the red tails plying the Pacific. Still Northwest was a pioneer of an airline, connecting the Pacific in unique ways. Despite difficulties at the end, they were an airline with a proud history, many outstanding employees and a slew of firsts that grew the Pacific market.