Northwest To Stop Magazines To Cut Costs

Truth hurts. Consider yourself "outed".

Here are a couple of interesting articles for you TWO to read. :lol: :up: Chew on this for awhile.

Northwest warns it could file bankruptcy

Lisa Zagaroli
Detroit News
Jun. 8, 2005 12:00 AM

WASHINGTON - The head of Northwest Airlines told lawmakers Tuesday that the carrier might have to file for bankruptcy and turn its pension plan over to the government if Congress doesn't make changes in the way airlines are required to fund their retirement benefits.

"The current funding rules are too volatile, unpredictable, inflexible and expensive for our company to survive and compete in the modern, deregulated airline industry that demands that we deliver service to our customers at competitive prices," Douglas Steenland, president and chief executive officer of Northwest, said in written testimony submitted to the Senate Finance Committee.

Defined benefit plans - or traditional pension plans funded by employers - are no longer a feasible benefit to offer workers "for an industry that is as competitive and as vulnerable to forces, ranging from terrorism to international oil prices, that are largely beyond its control, as the airline industry," he said.

Given that, he said Northwest might have to follow United Airlines' and US Airways' path of filing for bankruptcy and applying to terminate their retirement plans if Congress doesn't enact specific legislative changes in the way benefit plans are funded.


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AP

June 7, 2005


Northwest Recruiting Replacement Attendants

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Filed at 10:54 a.m. ET

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Northwest Airlines Corp. is recruiting replacement flight attendants in case of a labor dispute or strike, even as negotiations with its flight attendants' union continue.

A job listing on Monster.com encourages candidates to apply by June 12 for a training program to become a certified flight attendant with the airline. The job description, placed by recruitment firm Spherion Corp., says people ''who successfully complete the Flight Attendant training may be offered employment in the event of a labor dispute or strike.''

Bob Krabbe, an official with the Professional Flight Attendants Association, said Monday that Northwest is engaging in a campaign of ''intimidation and fear'' by recruiting replacement flight attendants.

''What perplexes PFAA is that the company wants us to bargain with them, wants us to have trust in them, yet they are making secret contingency plans to train thousands of flight attendants,'' he said.

Northwest, which is negotiating contracts with three of its four largest unions, is demanding $1.1 billion in annual labor savings. Meanwhile, a steady stream of stock sales by Northwest Chairman Gary Wilson has some employees worried that the airline is preparing to file for bankruptcy if it doesn't get what it sees as timely relief from its labor costs.

Northwest, in a statement, defended the recruitment of replacement workers.

''Northwest is aware of significant strike planning activity under way at several of its unions,'' the airline said Monday. ''If one of its unions chooses to strike the carrier or engage in job actions with the intent of causing disruption at some point in the future, Northwest must be prepared to protect its operations.''
 
Fly -
Both of these articles strike me more as posturing and idle threats than indications of moves that will happen in the near term. I'm sure they will reach new labor agreements, though it may be just about as painful as the other carriers have had to go through. As for BK protection over pensions...only as a last resort...I'm sure they would rather seek relief from congress than from a judge. Political contributions are a lot cheaper than long, drawn out court cases.
 
North by Northwest said:
Flying Titan:"and legacy carriers that offer the same or more on domestic and international routes. Example please.
[post="276051"][/post]​


NxNW -
Depends on your destination. To Asia, UAL and Cathay Pacific provide offerings that are at least as good as NWA. To Europe, Lufthansa comes to mind first. AA and UAL do a nice job into LHR. UAIR's A330 transatlantic service is good. Domestically, CO offers a better F/C and coach product (meals and all). Even UAIR, recognizing its diminished product, offers the best opportunity for transcon upgrades and still offers some of the coach services that this thread is discussing.
 
North by Northwest said:
Flying Titan:"and legacy carriers that offer the same or more on domestic and international routes. Example please.
[post="276051"][/post]​


Well NbN.

NWA does not have any type of inflight entertainment in the domestic markets. No movies, no audio, nothing. There are some long segments that could warrant some type of entertainment. You guys and LUV are pretty much the only ones not offering entertainment. The LUV pax. expect to get the short end of the service stick. The NWA people most likely would expect more.
 
Fly said:
So funny how both NH/BB and Red Tail Bear both trying debating you to give the impression they are two seperate people when, in fact, they are the SAME PERSON!!! :up: :up: :up:
[post="276033"][/post]​

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

"Well fly ol' gal,"

I'm not going to spend hardly anytime trying to prove to YOU that NH/BB's and RBT are 2 seperate related people (father + son)(AA retired + NW active), but If I WAS RTB, one thing that would be fantastic, I'd be "22" years younger !! :up:

NH/BB's
 
magsau said:
Well NbN.

NWA does not have any type of inflight entertainment in the domestic markets. No movies, no audio, nothing. There are some long segments that could warrant some type of entertainment. You guys and LUV are pretty much the only ones not offering entertainment. The LUV pax. expect to get the short end of the service stick. The NWA people most likely would expect more.
[post="276083"][/post]​
And... it has prevented us and LUV from languishing in BANKRUPTCY(for almost 3 years and COUNTING)/ STEALING employee PENSIONS. So you just go ahead and brag about having "inflight entertainment". Clearly, your priority is entertainment over a pension. "The NWA people most likely would expect more." And pay the same price as LUV? Get real. For the money they pay they get a choice of high frequencies/ destinations not served by other carriers/ and FFM's that can take them around the world. THAT'S what they get. At least at NW the employees could still earn a decent living for the last 3 years. THAT is more important that paying for entertainment (out of employees paychecks and pensions) for people that want to fly across country for $75 dollars.

Titan, your comment is that legacy carriers offer more than NW on international flights which is simply BS. NW international product is on par with the best and superior to most. Ual biz class is a joke compared to NW. The ONLY thing Ual has is a small First Class with skinny sleeperettes. NW Biz Class is well known for having the ONLY seat with 176 degrees of recline in American carriers. Furthermore, that is more recline than MOST carriers Asian or European...INCLUDING LH. NW offers more pitch in coach than MOST Asian or European carriers. LH doesn't offer PTV on it BRAND NEW long haul Airbus. So, I really don't know what your point is. NW's domestic product has allowed it to weather the storm (while paying it employees the highest wages) better than ANY American carrier. THAT is a testament to it's brilliant business strategy. We have done this OUTSIDE of BANKRUPTCY. Now you tell me how important "entertainment" is.

It is a joke that people would get on here and brag about some stupid onboard "entertainment" over a having a secure job and a pension. We have OUT LASTED them ALL with decent wages and will survive with conessions OUT of BANKRUPTCY. NO airline other than SW has achieved THAT during this most turbulant period of aviation history. NW has common sense priorities that reflect the fares demanded by " I wanna fly cheap" domestic flyers.

The Japanese are without a doubt the MOST demanding of quality of ALL Asian cultures. Northwest carries MORE than any non Japanese carriers (they have plenty of choices with lower prices, they KNOW QUALITY and they make the choice. (that goes for Cathey/ Singapore/ and all the rest). Now you allude that NW does not have a international product that is up to par or mediocre...puleezz.
 
"Defined benefit plans - or traditional pension plans funded by employers - are no longer a feasible benefit to offer workers "for an industry that is as competitive and as vulnerable to forces, ranging from terrorism to international oil prices, that are largely beyond its control, as the airline industry," he said.

Given that, he said Northwest might have to follow United Airlines' and US Airways' path of filing for bankruptcy and applying to terminate their retirement plans if Congress doesn't enact specific legislative changes in the way benefit plans are funded." FLY, I esp like this part. "he said Northwest might have to follow United Airlines' (the BANKRUPT CARRIER THAT HAS DRAGGED the WHOLE INDUSTY DOWN THE SEWER)
 
Fly...you and UNITED will be CHEWING on this for A LLOONNGG TIME!"United Airlines is not sure (They COULDN'T...snicker. They were REPO'ED!) it can keep eight planes that a federal appeals court has ruled could be taken back by the aircraft's leaseholders. United rejected leases on six aircraft, these 8 are B767s, aircraft generally used for long haul. Already in November the leaseholders wanted to seize the aircraft. (WATCH OUT PASSENGERS!)In the second half of the month United will not be out of Court, for several crucial court hearings. And Wednesday we will know if the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers will a strike: a strike that would be "suicidal."


But under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, secured creditors have the right to repossess planes 60 days after the bankruptcy filing if they are not being paid in full, a right that is not limited by any other provision of the title or by any power of the court.


How many widebodies did Ual loose? That chewing must be rather bitter. :up: I like your little happy face. Makes me feel HAPPY! :bleh:
 
North by Northwest said:
Titan, your comment is that legacy carriers offer more than NW on international flights which is simply BS. NW international product is on par with the best and superior to most. Ual biz class is a joke compared to NW.
[post="276240"][/post]​

Really?!? :lol: Get over it. United has better service than NW, hands down. Don't believe that? Who won best Transpacific carrier? Oh yes, it was UNITED!!! :up:

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United Airlines Named Best Transpacific Airline at OAG Airline of the Year Awards
Wednesday May 25, 4:18 pm ET
'Oscars of the Airline Industry' Highlight United's Extensive Service to Asia-Pacific Region


CHICAGO, May 25 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- United Airlines (OTC Bulletin Board: UALAQ - News) was named Best Transpacific Airline by the annual OAG Airline of the Year Awards during an awards ceremony in London. OAG is a content management company specializing in travel and transport, which selected winners of the awards based on the votes of a worldwide audience of business travelers.

"Our historic role as one of the premier U.S. carriers in the Asia-Pacific market and our continuing commitment to the region give us a unique perspective on doing business there, and we are delighted to be recognized by OAG," says Graham Atkinson, senior vice president-Worldwide Sales and Alliances. "We are proud to serve as a bridge that brings business people face-to-face and to facilitate tourism and the exchange of cultures, ideas and opportunities."

United faced intense competition to win the Best Transpacific Airline award, ranking higher than other nominees American Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Qantas and Singapore Airlines. The OAG awards, which have been called the "Oscars of the Airline Industry," celebrate the very best in global air travel and publicly recognize the highest standards within the industry.

United is the largest trans-Pacific carrier, offering more seat miles across the Pacific than any other airline. Late last year, United established the first service to Vietnam by a U.S. carrier in nearly 30 years. United also has a strong presence in Japan, with its Narita hub that serves Tokyo and expanded flying to Osaka and Nagoya. With four daily nonstop flights between the United States and mainland China, the airline also is the largest U.S. carrier in China and is a strong competitor in Hong Kong, Taiwan and Korea. The company continues to pursue new service to manufacturing and business centers in China. United also serves Bangkok, Melbourne, Seoul, Singapore and Sydney. Beyond its own vast network, United's service is even more extensive due to locations served by its Asia Pacific-based Star Alliance partners All Nippon Airways, Asiana, Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways and Air New Zealand, as well as its recent bilateral agreement with Air China.

In addition to Best Transpacific Airline, United also was a nominee for Best Airline Based in North America, Best Transatlantic Airline, Best Economy/Coach Class, Best Executive/Business Class and Best International First Class.
About United

United Airlines (OTC Bulletin Board: UALAQ - News) is the world's second largest airline and operates more than 3,400 flights a day on United, United Express and Ted to more than 200 U.S. domestic and international destinations from its hubs in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Denver, Chicago and Washington, D.C. With key global air rights in the Asia-Pacific region, Europe and Latin America, United is the largest international carrier based in the United States.* United is also a founding member of Star Alliance, which provides connections for our customers to nearly 800 destinations in 139 countries worldwide. United's 60,000 employees reside in every U.S. state and in many countries around the world. News releases and other information about United can be found at the company's Web site at united.com.

* Measured by revenue passenger miles as reported to the U.S. Department of Transportation for 12 months ending September 2004, the most recent comparison data available.
 
"CHICAGO, May 25 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- United Airlines (OTC Bulletin Board: UALAQ - News)" Anybody can write their OWN glowing tabloid. Better that then an OBITURARY. WOW...Vietnam. Now that sounds like a REAL MONEY MAKER! United's service was trash for YEARS. Ranked at the bottom for decades, took BANKRUPTCY and the threat of LIQUIDATION to operate like an airline. The second largest economy in the world is JAPAN...the RICHEST economy in ASIA is Japan. United is second rate to Northwest to Japan and ASIA and you can't stand it. Where did your little made up "better than Northwest" getcha? How much was that loss again? Gonna have enough planes to "fly Transpacific" after the REPO MAN visits? :shock: Maybe you can show the little made up awards to the passengers on the canoes as you paddle them across the pacific after the planes are repo'ed. That will show Northwest what service is all about. :up:
 
Are you implying that United made up that award?? You know, the one your airline didn't win. :up:


Here's a list of all the winners and the finalists. OAG Awards I noticed that Northwest was absent from almost all the nominees too....what happened?
 
"I noticed that Northwest was absent from almost all the nominees too....what happened? "

We were busy running an airline...there's another list Northwest doesn't share with United...The BANKRUPT LIST. If you spent more time running a solvent operation instead of trying to win useless awards, and starting flights to big money making destinations like Vietnam perhaps you could SOMEDAY (in the distant future) find your way out of BANKRUPTCY.

Then United could be taken seriously as an airline, instead of the joke that it is currently. Did that little award save your pension? Did it get the repo man to stop repoing United's jets? I know...it helped you get a raise...oops, sorry about that.

Damn, that award sure is something to envy. Lets just say our awards shows up at the bank. Now you just show that little award to the repo man the next time he turns up...and let him know how great your service is. Northwest will continue to run circles around United in Japan...where the real bucks are. Can ya cash it? Can ya get a loan with it? Can ya make that damn repo man "chew" on it?


United Airlines (OTC Bulletin Board: UALAQ - News) is the world's second largest airline and operates more than 3,400 flights a day on United, United Express and Ted to more than 200 U.S. domestic and international destinations from its hubs in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Denver, Chicago and Washington, D.C. With key global air rights in the Asia-Pacific region, Europe and Latin America, United is the largest international carrier based in the United States that is BANKRUPT/ and STEALING pensions from it's employees.* United is also a founding member of Star Alliance, which has more BANKRUPT airlines in it than anyother alliance. . United's 60,000 employees reside in every U.S. state and in many countries around the world and THEY ARE MAD as HELL and WANT their damn pensions that they EARNED (stop feeding the pigs at the top, bet they didn't lose THEIR pensions). United also loves to start destinations to stupid low yield places like Vietnam while in BANKRUPTCY. Go United...time to Fly...before the jet is repo'ed!
 
Get over yourself. LOL The Vietnam flights are making money. You sound a little defense now that everyone realizes that you were, in fact, incorrect about United's service and interior superiority to Northwest.

You are correct that the paycuts have been tough to take. You will soon feel just how difficult. Read this
 
" United's service and interior superiority to Northwest." NOW THAT is a LAUGH! :D In your delusional desparte dreams. Defensive...nope. But you sure do sound tragic. Raving about a pathtic company that should have been shut down a year ago. You sound like one of the suckers that will work for free. Better hope you can keep those ragged interiors flying. Heard money was tight. Repo men like to get their aircraft back in shape. I am sure many on here would rather be at United winning their first little award in 25 years (while stealing money and services from Vendors) rather than with Northwest paying good wages, ordering new planes, STILL paying their bills (even though their competitors sluts around in BANKRUPTCY) bragging about how superior their "interiors" are. Get real. You need a reality check.
 
FYI for you FLY: I have heard many complaints about the 55 inch pitch business class seat (as is UA's). Business classes are where the huge differences are normally felt, so why don't you compare the seat pitch of:
Low Quality
Air China 42''
China Airlines 50''
Eva Airlines 42-61''
Korean Air 50''
Asiana 50''
Philippine 45''
Thai Airways 50''

U.S. Carriers
Northwest Airlines 60'' (10.4" PTV screen largest in the sky) PTV throughout Econ. on all A330's/ as will the 787's
Delta Airlines 60''
Continental 60''
American 60''
United 55'' (United's Biz class is inferior in every way to Norhtwest's) Ual's First Class[as few seats there are] is nice (small PTV screen), but not worth the premium price compared to Asian carriers with First Class). Not sure about Ual's entertainment in Econ. for Trans-pacific. (the Ual website is terrible for information) As for the OAG award...SKYTRAX has a vastly different ranking.

"Premium" Carriers
Singapore 58''
Cathay Pacific 58''
ANA 60''
China Eastern 60''
JAL 60''
Malaysia 58''