Northwest Airlines Takes Delivery of its First Boeing 757-300 which is Part of Largest Fleet Renewal in Northwest's 75-Year History

22 July 2002

The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] recently delivered the first of 16 757-300s to Northwest Airlines, marking another milestone in the largest fleet renewal program in the carrier's 75-year history.

Northwest will use the fuel-efficient 757-300 as a replacement for its fleet of DC-10 Series 40s, substantially reducing fuel and operational costs on high demand domestic routes. Additional deliveries of 757-300s are scheduled later this year and in 2003.

"The addition of the 757-300 will allow us to provide our customers with travel aboard a state-of-the-art aircraft on high traffic routes out of our hubs," said Mickey Foret, executive vice president and chief financial officer at Northwest. "At the same time, the 757-300 will enable us to simplify our fleet, reduce training and operational costs and fly quieter aircraft to and from the communities we serve." 

Northwest Airlines' 757-300 will comfortably carry 224 passengers with 24 seats in first class and 200 seats in coach class. The jetliner features the Boeing Signature Interior, which uses modern lighting and design concepts to enhance the feeling of spaciousness.

Northwest will operate its new 757-300s to high-demand markets from its three U.S. hubs in Detroit, Minneapolis/St. Paul and Memphis, Tenn. Northwest Airlines currently operates 56 757-200s, having taken delivery of its 56th 757-200 on July 15. The commonality between the two 757 models will allow the carrier to easily transition the new 757-300 airplane into its fleet, and realize savings in training and maintenance costs.

"This year is Northwest Airlines' 75th year of operation, and we are proud that the 757-200 has been a part of the airline's legacy. We are honored that the 757-300 will be part of its continued success in the future," said Carolyn Corvi, 737/757 vice president and general manager.

Northwest's first 757-300 also is the first such Boeing model to be delivered with Pratt & Whitney PW2000 engines, having earned certification from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration last month. The Pratt & Whitney-powered 757-300 builds on the proven success of the 402 757-200s currently in service with PW2037 and PW2040 engines. The PW2043, a higher-thrust version of the engine,  also earned certification and provides 43,000 pounds of thrust and  additional performance capability for the 757-300. The PW2000 series engine has been in service for 18 years and has performed more than 24 million flight hours and 10.5 million flight cycles.

Able to fly transatlantic routes as well as short-haul routes, the single-aisle 757 is in a class by itself when it comes to economics and airport performance. The 757 has the lowest operating cost per seat-mile of any single-aisle airplane in its class. It also is one of the quietest, most environmentally responsible jets in the world, using less fuel than older mid-range airplanes, meeting community noise restrictions well below current limits, and complying with current and future international emissions standards.

With the delivery to Northwest Airlines, the 757-300 has entered service with three major North American carriers in the past 12 months.