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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.