from the article...
....The airline announced that it placed firm orders for 36 Bombardier Canadair Regional Jet (CRJ) 900s and 36 Embraer 175s that will equip Northwest with modern aircraft that offer customers a comfortable travel experience, allow the carrier to pursue growth opportunities in important markets, including in the Heartland of the U.S., and provide Northwest with improved aircraft economics...
I've flown a lot of miles in the seats on a CRJ and if this is Dougies idea of a "comfortable travel experience", he needs to sit his butt in one for a flight. They are the absolute most UN-comfortable seats in ANY aircraft. Another brilliant decision...customers with their heads banging on the ceilings and their butts saddle sore. But wait...read the last sentence...improved aircraft economics. The bottom line folks. No matter how they spin it its ALL about the money.