Sep 25, 2005 11:53 am US/Central
NWA Bankruptcy Forces Mesaba Cutbacks
Minneapolis (AP) ―
The bankruptcy of Northwest Airlines is forcing its regional partner to shrink its operations.
Initial cutbacks for Mesaba Airlines will include the parking of nine regional jets the airline uses to fly Northwest passengers.
Mesaba's corporate parent -- MAIR Holdings -- also says Northwest intends to terminate the leases on all 35 of the 69-seat Avro jets that Mesaba operates for Northwest.
The airline isn't commenting on its fleet, though sources tell the Star Tribune the airline is attempting to negotiate more favorable lease terms on the Avros.
Shortly before Northwest filed for bankruptcy, it missed an $18 million payment that was due to Mesaba for flight operations. Mesaba is scheduled to receive another payment Monday from Northwest.
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