NWA Converts A330 Orders

[AAG2000]

http://www.airbus.com/dynamic/media/press_releases.asp
NWA has converted 10 of its 24 orders for A330-300's to A330-200's. IMHO, this makes a lot of sense given the gap in size between the 753 and 333. More important, the 332 opens up a lot more route possibilities out of DTW, and maybe even West Coast-NRT.

 

[JFK777]

the A330-200 is a much more versitile airplane then the -300. -200 can fly about 1200 miles further. This gives NWA many more options in flying from MSP & DTW to Europe. Swiss flies -200 on all kinds of flights lasting 11 hours. -300 could not fly from California to Europe or Asia(unlikely). NW now needs to buy 747 replacements.

 

[AAG2000]

I don't expect NWA to replace its 747's anytime soon. Most are less than 25 years old...young by NWA standards! If it ain't broke, don't fix it...NWA's conservative fleet renewal strategy is one reason why the airline is in better financial shape than some others I can think of...