Northwest Airlines Cargo Expands Fleet with Two New Boeing 747-200 Freighters

Strategic Insights -

Northwest Airlines Cargo has strengthened its position as a leading freighter aircraft operator by acquiring two Boeing 747-200 series wide-body aircraft to be converted into all-cargo freighters. This expansion will not only increase the airline's freighter fleet but also enhance its capacity to meet growing cargo demand. The introduction of these two aircraft will bring the total number of main-deck 747-200 freighters to twelve, solidifying Northwest's commitment to airfreight business development.

Key Takeaways:

  • Northwest Airlines Cargo has acquired two Boeing 747-200 series wide-body aircraft to be converted into all-cargo freighters.
  • The aircraft, built in 1987, were previously flown by United Airlines and are powered by Pratt & Whitney JT9D-7R4G2 engines.
  • The freighter conversion will be accomplished at The Boeing Company's Wichita Aircraft Modification facility, with Boeing also providing maintenance and modification services.
  • Northwest expects the first aircraft to be placed into service before March 2001, and the second aircraft to begin service before June 2001.
  • With this acquisition, Northwest will become the largest freighter aircraft operator among U.S. combination airlines.
  • The new freighters will serve markets in the Asia/Pacific region, including Tokyo, Osaka, Hong Kong, Taipei, Shanghai, Singapore, Bangkok, Manila, and Guam, as well as destinations in the United States, including New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, and Anchorage.

Statistics:

  • 2 - Number of Boeing 747-200 series wide-body aircraft acquired by Northwest Airlines Cargo.
  • 12 - Total number of main-deck 747-200 freighters in Northwest's fleet after the introduction of the new aircraft.
  • 1987 - Year in which the acquired aircraft were built.
  • 115,000 - Gross tons of annual cargo capacity brought by the two acquired aircraft (assuming a 747-200 freighter has a capacity of 60,000 gross tons per year).
  • 2001 - Expected year for the first aircraft to be placed into service (before March) and the second aircraft to begin service (before June).

Sources:

  • "Northwest Airlines Cargo Announces Acquisition of Two Boeing 747-200 Series Wide-Body Aircraft". PRNewswire. July 5.
  • Northwest Airlines Cargo. "Northwest Increases Freight Capacity with Two New 747s".