NORTHWEST
BUYS B747s FOR FREIGHTER CONVERSION
Northwest Airlines has purchased two B747-200 passenger planes to convert
into full-freighter configuration, expanding Northwest’s B747 freighter fleet to
12.
Both 13-year-old planes were purchased from United Airlines and will be
converted by Boeing Co. at the aircraft maker’s Wichita, Kan., modification
center. Northwest plans to put the aircraft into commercial service in March and
June next year.
Northwest hailed the move has proof of its cargo commitment. "We are
excited to add these two late-model aircraft to our freighter fleet," said
Mickey Foret, Northwest’s executive vice president, chief financial officer and
president of Northwest Airlines Cargo.
"The acquisition of these aircraft, in conjunction with Cargo’s new
handling facility in Anchorage and its alliance with Japan Air Lines Cargo
confirms Northwest’s long-term commitment to developing the air freight
business."
Subsequently, the move may indicate a weakening commitment to cargo at
United, which was considering converting its B747 passenger jest into freighters
for its cargo department. United converted some DC-10s into freighters a few
years ago. But United officials have said the airline will sell those planes
once the passenger division has replaced the DC-10s it has in service.
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NORTHWEST BUYS B747s FOR FREIGHTER CONVERSION
