The Associated Press reports that Northwest Airlines is expected to make a large order for regional jets in the next few weeks. Not only has it launched its new subsidiary, Compass Airlines, for its regional flying, it needs to replace 105 ancient DC-9 aircraft.
The DC-9 began service in 1965, and evolved design-wise into the MD-80, MD-90, and the MD-95(Boeing 717). The last DC-9 was delivered in 1982. Many of Northwest’s DC-9’s are over thirty years old. The DC-9s seat 100, 110, or 125 passengers in first and coach class as Northwest configures them.
Canadian aircraft manufacturer Bombardier, known for its Canadair Regional Jets, have been waiting for Northwest’s order, hoping it will boost its lackluster orders for this year. Industry experts predict Compass Airlines will be operating CRJ700 or CRJ900 aircraft, which can transport 70-90 passengers. For mainline replacement of the DC-9s, the predictions go to the 100-seat Embraer 190 or 195 aircraft. The E190 has been made popular in the US by Jetblue adopting it for its service.
Northwest’s existing regional carriers, Pinnacle Airlines and struggling Mesaba, operate Northwest’s existing CRJs, which suggests Northwest will continue to purchase them for regional service. Furthermore, Bombardier already has the deposit on 13 CRJs whose delivery was deferred when Northwest declared bankruptcy.