Northwest Airlines and negotiators for the Air Line Pilots Association
have reached a tentative agreement on a variety of contract issues and
pilot work rules. The tentative agreement, the product of a
collaborative process between the union and NWA, is subject to
ratification by the Northwest ALPA Master Executive Council.

  “This is an important part of our efforts to achieve operational
reliability,” said Doug Steenland, Northwest Airlines president and
CEO. “I’m pleased that we’ve been able to work collaboratively with
ALPA on these contract improvements and that both parties share a
commitment to caring for our customers.”

  In broad outline, the airline obtained contractual changes on
several work rules pertaining to international flying as well as the
settlement of outstanding grievances in exchange for the reinstatement
of premium pay of 50 percent for all pilots, for any flying over 80
hours, effective August 1, 2007.

  The company also announced today that it is implementing a Summer
Reliability Incentive Program under which all contract employees,
including pilots if the proposal is ratified by the MEC, who achieve
perfect attendance from August 4 through September 3, inclusive, will
receive incentive pay equal to 15 percent of eligible earnings up to
$1000.

  “We are committed to delivering a reliable, convenient product for
our customers,” Steenland said. “We believe these steps will provide
additional support for our operation during the month of August and
beyond.”
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