Northwest to start flying Boeing 787s in October 2008

Associated Press
Published October 20, 2006, 6:53 AM CDT


EAGAN, Minn. -- Northwest Airlines Corp. said it plans to begin flying the new Boeing 787 "Dreamliner" in October 2008.

The Eagan-based carrier said Thursday that it has reached agreements with Boeing and engine maker Rolls-Royce for the delivery of 18 of the planes over three years.

Financial details were not revealed. The planes list for about $150 million apiece, though airlines typically negotiate lower prices. The airline, which is under Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, has not yet decided whether to buy or lease the planes.

The 787 boasts faster speeds, greater fuel efficiency and more cargo capacity. Passengers will see a new interior layout, newfangled seats, wider aisles, bigger windows, less cabin pressure and higher humidity.

Northwest, Michigan's largest passenger air carrier, is the first North American carrier to place an order, but Chicago-based Boeing Co. says 34 airlines have ordered 432 of the planes, worth more than $68 billion.

Northwest plans to use its 787s on flights to Asia and other overseas routes. Its international fleet is now comprised largely of Boeing 747s and Airbus A330s. Its 787s will be configured to seat 36 passengers in business class and 185 in coach.

"The agreements reached with Boeing and Rolls-Royce are key accomplishments in our efforts to modernize and restructure the Northwest fleet as part of an overall plan to position Northwest for the long-term," chief executive Doug Steenland said in a statement.

The fleet restructuring is a major component of Northwest's plan to cut $2.5 billion in annual operating costs to return to profitability and emerge from bankruptcy in the first half of 2007.





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