Rather than moving forward, NWA soon will be disappearing from the skies because of the merger (aka take-over) with Delta Airlines. The familiar red tail will then be defunct. My reaction is mixed since Northwest was never one of my favorite airlines, but the economic ramifications to the Twin Cities will be considerable, which no city can afford during these difficult times. The so-called merged airline will be called Delta (what else?!) and will be headquartered in Atlanta. I predict that jobs will be lost on the former NWA system and fares will rise. Not a happy post for this ABC Wednesday!!PS. To see more ABC posts, go to MrsNesbittsplace for the list of names.
Wow, Kate, this is a mind boggling post.
ReplyDeleteI am hearing that air transportation as most know it will cease to exist in the near future but will return with a virgin-like vengeance. Whatever that means?
The cost of everything is tied to oil and somehow we allowed big business interests to shut down those institutions that would have enabled us to get beyond this crisis with only a little discomfort. Right now almost everything we use comes by truck.
If we still had trains, like we used to, the dependence on trucks and oil for the transportation of goods and services would not hurt so much. Trains can pull a lot of trucks and do it on steam if need be.
To make sure trains didn't come back the took up the rails and ties and roadbeds.
I came to the conclusion, a long time ago, that our government and politics are not our friend.
Now we have global starvation also tied to oil.
As an infrequent flyer this means little to me, but these things are happening all over - there is no such thing as a proper "price" for anything anymore.
ReplyDeleteI have travelled with NWA or their subsidiaries several times and had no complaints. A pity yet another airline down the drain. Soon there will be only one left.
ReplyDeletePS In Europe 28/11 means November 28. The date format is different from the US (as most formats and measurement systems are.)
The increased energy prices will certainly lead to some unpleasant surprises. ... and in the meantime, your US prices are so low compared to Europe (4 - 5 times less for gazoline). Well I (and most of us) could talk about this for hours, but I will stop here!
ReplyDeleteAll you have to do is read about American taking over TWA and what it did to the St. Louis aviation industry and airport.
ReplyDeleteKate, I hadn't even considered the ramifications to your fair city. Not a big fan of NWA as they have stranded a daughter in Korea and in Detroit....the list is actually endless. but I like your choice for today....gives us something to consider. Makes one wonder what we would be like with a rail system like Europe doesn't it?
ReplyDeleteSome years more and we'll be unable to find (or to pay!) petrol, so...
ReplyDeleteAnd you'll have to change your banner! ;-)
Progress does indeed come at a price...but who is the progress for?
ReplyDeleteI used to fly to America with KLM and occasionally they partnered with North West and then the food was awful, ditto the service. I remember being served something called a burrito for breakfast - that was something new and smelled awful. On KLM you got fresh orange juice, a perfect omelette etc.
ReplyDeleteHopefully the merger you speak of won't cost too many jobs - and they don't serve burritos. Don't all shout and tell me burritos are wonderful. This one looked like something unmentionable.
interesting but sad post. I am always a bit suspicious of these so called mergers, the spin doctors try and make it sound like a win-win situation but invariably lots of the little guys lose their jobs while a few share holders and top dogs get even richer!
ReplyDeleteNot happy at all, Kate. Things are so off balance now, for so many.
ReplyDeleteThe changes will be interesting or perhaps depressing to see. I don't fly much, and the only airline I have flown is Delta.
ReplyDeleteA bittersweat post. Although I detest unions, I no respect for this rabble of millionaire "mis"managers of NWA.
ReplyDeletePlenty of blame to go around with all involved in NWA, but when people's pay is cut, it isn't appropriate the NWA executive baffons recieve payu increases.
Perhaps without the NWA hub status, our airline travel fare will besome more reasonable. Hub status means we pay extra in airfare.
Ironically, we're out of here via NWA. See you in 2 weeks.
Rob
Not happy, maybe, but thought-provoking. Good post.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Abraham on the loss of the railroads. Here in RI it was conventional wisdom to rip up the old tracks for bike paths & hiking trails - good for the enviornment. So now, even if we wanted commuter rail - it would cost too much to lay new track.
ReplyDeleteCool photo.
ReplyDeleteI've not flown Northwestern, but it is a sometimes partner to our Alaska Air. Changes, inevitable though they may be, are difficult. Hopefully a brighter future will come--if we can hang in there through all this mess.
ReplyDeleteSince Delta is one of the few airlines that serves the tiny "international" (I use that term lightly) airport in Jackson, this merger could be good for me. My husband travels a lot for his job and it is such a nightmare when you're in a small town.
ReplyDeleteI am sorry to hear that it might cut jobs in the twin cities though. I didn't know that NW was headquartered out of there.
I can't say I have ever taken NWA before. When airlines go out of business or consolidate, it only mean higher prices for consumers.
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