NW Fleet History

[Dont call me Shirley]

Some NW fleet history questions -

When was the 580 retired?
Did it ever fly as a "true NW" a/c or was it still under RC's certificate (even if flying NW flight numbers?

When did the 747-400 enter NW service?


Thanks!

 

[Kev3188]

Can't tell you much about the Convairs, as that was a bit before my time. I *think* they only flew as RC, though maybe with NW flight numbers. I'm going to guess 1987 or 88 for retirement....I'm sure someone a bit more "seasoned" than me can provide actual info.

As for the 747-400, we were the launch customer, and they came on line in 1989.

 

[slothman2000]

Looks like the 747-400 first revenue flight was June 1, 1989...
I want to say that the CV-580 was retired in the late 80's..here is a pic from July 1988...and yes it flew with northwest colors...
http://www.airliners.net/open.file?id=0310...next_id=0008522