Cargo ops used to make money - but these days, not so much.

Other cargo airlines are having trouble too - it's not just NWA Cargo. Kalitta Air has reduced their aircraft (and crews) by 40%, Cathay Pacific Cargo is flying a lot less, and other companies have gone under.

I wish Delta could turn it around, but it seems unlikely. Belly Freight on the B744s or B777 will probably carry some of what was carried before.

I wonder how many pilots are on the 747-200F? NW was going to be short pilots once they converted to the DL work rules - the disappearance of the cargo ops may more than offset this shortage. Not good.

its down a bunch now. They have already started thinning it out. I believe the staffing on the freight side is around 200. If they plan on getting rid of the freighters, than 12 months would be plenty of time for them allow bid offs or displace as the pull down happens. The shortage we were going to have may end up being a wash depending on a couple factors. Fortunately we had a shortage coming up that can absorb the pull downs.

Any source on this, I cannot find it anywhere. My guess it's still a rumor. I think the minimum is 6 months notice for base closure so we will know for sure in June.

Captain...it's been reported that Anderson said it at a meeting with crews in Narita. No official announcements or press releases.

I've got a lot of planning to do if the above is true so I'm looking for something more official than someone said he said. I guess this thread will revive itself when an official announcement occurs, so no worries.

Hopefully it's after SOC...

Why is that?

I sense hostility....

I'm looking at a Delta base. Well I should say I'm looking at one of my future bases. If I get displaced I want the whole enchilada to choose from.

Not Official my any means, but my buddy is a 757 CA said he heard it last week at work. 12 months it will be gone according to him. It has been talked about as fact at work the last week or so he said. Going all belly space according to people at NWA.

Cargo from Asia has fallen off a cliff recently for all carriers, including UPS. UPS core (big revenue) product from Asia is packages. Packages are still doing well internationally. It's in fact still a gem in the UPS system. We have had many canceled flights lately from HKG and PVG. This primarily has to do with the lack of "freight" volume but not packages.