B7e7 For Nw?

[C54Capt]

electradude,

I agree, the old NW DC-9s are quite comfortable in FC and bearable on the 2-wide side of coach. My history takes me back to the predecessor of the "Old 9", the original "heavy iron" Douglas series. They (DCs) are a great product but I have really fallen for the dreaded Airbus. They are a well designed, efficient, and in my experience, a very reliable aircraft (320 and 330 series). The Airbus also seems to be the aircraft of choice for most of the frequent fliers I know.

The nice service NW provides may make the DC-9 seem better than it really is in this modern age.

 

[JetClipper]

Just my two cents worth.

First, I've been told by a number of people that NWA is indeed actively looking at the 7E7. The "missions" it is being considered for include a DC10-30/747-200 replacement (remember, the original plan was that 12 of the "newest" DC10-30s would be kept around for domestic flying after the A330s and 757-300s were delivered) and new nonstop routes to Asia that overfly NRT.

Second, I don't see NWA buying more 747-400s (new or used) anytime soon. The aircraft is already too big for some of the routes it's used on (it's the only plane in the NWA fleet with enough range to make the trips nonstop), and any new nonstops would probably only be profitable with a smaller jet (e.g. the7E7).

Finally, I've heard NWA management claims that the DC9 is still the most economical aircraft in the 100-seat range. I guess once you factor-in low or nonexistent ownership costs, the higher fuel burn and maintenance is cancelled-out.

No doubt, NWA will have to look at some sort of DC9 replacement sometime in the not-too-distant future. I suppose the most likely candidates are the A318, more CRJs, the EMB-170 series, or Bombardier's proposed new 100- to 130-seat jet.

At first glance, the A318 seems like the best option, given NWA's large fleet of A319s/A320s. However, the A318 is a relatively "heavy" aircraft for it's size (a legacy of essentially being an A319 with a couple of frames removed), and it's wingspan is too long for many DC9 gates.

As for CRJs, NWA current "scope clause" prevents Mesaba or Pinnacle from flying additonal 70-seat jets (the ARJs are excepted). So, who would fly them, and what would they be paid?

Given that it's a smaller jet than the DC9, I suppose it's "logical" that payrates would be lower than the DC9 if mainline pilots flew it. However, how likely do think an agreement like that might be?

In addition, many passengers have complained about how low the windows are in the CRJs, among other things.

Considering it's size and passenger amenities, the new Embraer jets might be a good fit, but I again would be concerned about pilot pay issues. Same for the new Bombardier jets (if the program goes ahead). However, maybe NWA could be the launch customer and get a "sweetheart" deal. We'll see.

 

[Bigsky]

First, I've been told by a number of people that NWA is indeed actively looking at the 7E7. The "missions" it is being considered for include a DC10-30/747-200 replacement

I think the aircraft{B7E7} would fit well into the NW fleet. Actually the B7E7 would be a great aircraft for UA, DL and CO.

On to another topic...has anyone heard if NW is planning on buying anymore freighters or converting some of the retiring "generic"(or "ropestart" for the UA guys) passenger aircraft into freighters? I keep hearing rumors on the great freighter expansion but it never has materialized. Still only 12 747-200F's. The freight business in the Pacific is really picking up. It would be nice to see NW get it's share of the market.

cheers

bigsky

 

[JetClipper]

On to another topic...has anyone heard if NW is planning on buying anymore freighters or converting some of the retiring "generic"(or "ropestart" for the UA guys) passenger aircraft into freighters? I keep hearing rumors on the great freighter expansion but it never has materialized. Still only 12 747-200F's. The freight business in the Pacific is really picking up. It would be nice to see NW get it's share of the market.

From what I understand, NWA is always looking at expanding its freighter fleet. I wouldn't be suprised if they are considering converting some of the "parked" classics; it's probably a question of how much it would cost and whether or not the airplane(s) in question has the high-power engine (I think it's the -7R4), or at least could handle it.

I think at some point in time NWA is going to have to look at -400 freighters, though; either new-build or converted passenger birds. I suspect the latter, since they've said many times that the 747-400F is too much airplane for their ANC-centered route network. That being said, the -400F can fly between ANC and cities far beyond NRT, which could be valuable as NRT slots become more scarce. In addition, elminating NRT stops would allow NWA to offer later departures and faster transit times, which could attract more DHL-type business.