NW Outlines RJ Increases

As it focuses on increasing its international aircraft from 61 percent to 74 percent, Northwest will increasingly rely on regional jets to serve domestic markets, something sure to raise the ire of its pilots. It has already ordered 72 regional jets split evenly between Embraer and Bombardier. Related Story The major carrier also acquired Mesaba Airlines tapping it to operate the CRJ 900s ordered last year. Related Story  Northwest’s new fleet plan, part of a document distributed to pilots last week, calls for it to reduce its mainline fleet of 100+ seaters from 375 to 337 next year and increase regional aircraft from 226 to 262 aircraft at the same time. One third of the airline’s DC-9s will go.