Northwest to Cut Fourth-Quarter Flying by up to 9.5 Percent

Northwest, like the rest of the network airlines, will reduce fourth-quarter capacity in response to the high cost of fuel. The airline is also making a case that a Delta merger makes more sense than ever given the fuel crisis the industry faces.

Northwest will reduce mainline domestic and international capacity in the fourth quarter of by 8.5 percent to 9.5 percent. This includes reductions previously announced in April.

Northwest is removing a combination of 14 Boeing 757s and Airbus narrow-body aircraft from the fleet. In addition, the airline’s DC-9 fleet will be reduced from 94 aircraft at the start of 2008 to 61 by year’s end.

Northwest has not yet finalized how many employees will lose their jobs as a result of reduced flying. The airline said it will first look to voluntary programs such as early-outs.

As for the proposed Northwest-Delta merger, Northwest said “merger-related synergies will improve the financial ability of Northwest and Delta to meet the challenge presented by the fuel crisis and better position the combined carrier for long-term strength and profitability.”