Aircraft
Flight International Online news 09:00GMT: Northwest Airlines is asking for court approval of a financing package brokered with Airbus and United Technologies (UTC) that guarantees the delivery of 14 A330s and an unspecified number of new narrowbody aircraft.
Full details are being withheld from public disclosure, but from available court documents both manufacturers say they will finance 85% of the purchases.
A Northwest spokesman says the A330 deal is the same as that agreed before its September 14 Chapter 11 filing, and that this latest filing is required under US bankruptcy law.
However, the narrowbody deal is new.
Under that agreement, Airbus will back the “future purchase” of “a certain number” A319 and A320 aircraft. No other details are being disclosed, and it is unclear if this order adversely affects the carrier’s talks with Bombardier to launch the proposed CSeries, a twin jet that could compete with Airbus’ A318 and A319 models.
Both Bombardier and Northwest say the CSeries talks are continuing.
Airbus is also guaranteeing 85% if the financing for four A330s from Northwest’s backlog of 14. The remaining 10 will be 85% financed by UTC. These aircraft are scheduled for delivery in 2006 and 2007.
A hearing is scheduled for December 22.
DARREN SHANNON / WASHINGTON DC
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