Northwest
Airlines has announced that it will begin offering its first nonstop
service between Grand Rapids’ Gerald R. Ford International Airport and New
York’s LaGuardia Airport.“Our large and loyal customer base in Grand Rapids will now have a
nonstop option to New York on Northwest, enabling them to earn WorldPerks
frequent flyer miles,” said Phil Haan, executive vice president of
international, alliances and information technology at Northwest Airlines
and chairman of NWA Cargo.
  “Northwest’s comprehensive network, convenient and reliable schedules,
competitive fares and hassle-free hub airports have made us the leading
choice of travelers in Grand Rapids, the state of Michigan and throughout
the Heartland of America,” Haan added.
  The new flight will be operated by Northwest Airlink partner Pinnacle
Airlines with a 50-seat Canadair Regional Jet (CRJ).
  Grand Rapids is Northwest’s second largest Michigan market. The airline
offers an all-jet service schedule of up to 18 flights from Grand Rapids,
including eight to Northwest’s Detroit WorldGateway hub, five to its hub at
Minneapolis/St. Paul and one to its Memphis, Tenn. hub. Northwest also
offers Grand Rapids’ only daily nonstop service to Washington, as well as
seasonal service from Grand Rapids to Las Vegas, Orlando and Tampa, Fla.,
providing the only nonstop service between Grand Rapids and those popular
destinations.
  Customers currently holding tickets for travel Nov. 1 or beyond on
connecting itineraries from Grand Rapids to New York will be able to change
to Northwest’s new nonstop service without paying an administrative change
fee, provided changes are made by Sept. 30, 2006.
  “I am pleased that Northwest Airlines will add a new, direct service
between Grand Rapids and New York’s LaGuardia Airport,” said Congressman
Vernon J. Ehlers, R-Grand Rapids. “Providing this point-to-point service
will be a boon to travelers from West Michigan who want to visit the Big
Apple, as well as serving as a faster and more efficient link for business
travelers between these two areas.”
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