Northwest Airlines has said that more than 100,000 letters of support were
received in the first three days following Northwest’s bid for
Detroit-China nonstop service.The letters were filed with
the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). The 100,001st supporter
was a Missourian who added his name to Northwest’s petition at
approximately 2:05 p.m. CDT Thursday.

  “The overwhelming show of support by more than 100,000 U.S.
travelers from across the country demonstrates the strong demand and
critical need for new nonstop service to Shanghai and Beijing from
Northwest’s WorldGateway hub at Detroit,” said Neal Cohen, Northwest
executive vice president - strategy and international. “Northwest
sincerely appreciates all of the customers, corporations and employees
who are expressing their support for our China service bid to the
Department of Transportation.”

  Northwest’s proposed China routes would serve key manufacturing
and industrial interests in Michigan and the Midwest Heartland region.
An economic impact study released by the Wayne County Airport
Authority at the Detroit Metropolitan Airport on Monday shows that
Northwest’s two new flights would generate more than $265 million in
benefit to the southeast Michigan economy alone. In addition, the
airline’s proposal provides new single connecting service for more
than 100 U.S. cities.

  Northwest said it is confident the DOT will take into account the
views of these hundred thousand U.S. travelers in deciding which
carriers will receive new China routes.
——-