Northwest Reportedly Operating as Normal

August 23, 2005

Northwest Reportedly Operating as Normal
August 23, 2005 – Northwest Airlines reports operations as normal following a strike by the Aircraft Mechanic Fraternal Association on Friday. The airline said that it expects to complete more than 96 percent of its flights this week.

Despite reports of normalcy, the airline’s on-time performance record is apparently suffering, although it has kept most of its planes in the air according to CNN.

Officials with the AMFA say that a growing number of planes were grounded for needed maintenance and that many flights were delayed. They also predicted flight cancellations would increase going forward.

The airline has been able to keep operating with more than 1,200 replacement workers, in addition to more than 300 members of management and some outside contractors.

While union officials question the ability of replacement workers to maintain Northwest’s fleet long-term, airline management said that the replacement workers have an average of 14 years’ experience working on aircraft, and they are confident they will be able to maintain Northwest’s fleet as normal.

Northwest customers can check on the status of their flights at http://www.nwa.com/ or by calling 800-441-1818. There also is a question-and-answer list on the Northwest Web site which explains a host of issues related to partner flights, frequent traveler miles and cancelled flights.