Summary
For decades, Northwest Airlines was one of the United States’ biggest and most recognisable carriers. With a history stretching back to the 1920s, it became a familiar name both domestically and on routes to Asia, and was well-loved by enthusiasts for its unique fleet and striking liveries.
But like many major airlines of the past, Northwest eventually disappeared, merging into Delta Air Lines in the late 2000s. So, what happened to Northwest, and why does it still hold such a strong place in aviation history?
From Airmail to Northwest Orient
Northwest Airlines began life in 1926 as Northwest Airways, carrying airmail between Minneapolis and Chicago. By the 1930s, passenger services had been added, and in 1934 the airline officially became Northwest Airlines.
The carrier grew steadily through the mid-20th century, and after World War II, it developed an extensive network across the Pacific. This led to the adoption of the name Northwest Orient Airlines in 1947, which it kept until 1986. During this period, Northwest was known for pioneering routes to Japan, China, and other parts of Asia, building strong links that remained a key part of its business right up until the end.
Classic Airliners of the Fleet
RuthAS, CC BY 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Northwest was an airline that embraced a variety of aircraft types, and enthusiasts often remember it for its eclectic fleet.
- Douglas DC-3s were among the airline’s earliest passenger aircraft.
- The long-haul fleet in the postwar years included the Boeing Stratocruiser, linking the U.S. to Asia with comfort and style.
- In the jet age, Northwest introduced the Douglas DC-8 and Boeing 707, which carried the airline’s distinctive red tail around the world.
- The Boeing 747 became a flagship for Northwest on Asian and transpacific routes, including the later 747-400s, which it operated right up until the merger.
- Widebody types like the DC-10 were also mainstays, flying both domestic and international services.
Northwest DC-9-15. Photo (c) Aero Icarus
But perhaps the most iconic type for Northwest was the Douglas DC-9. The airline operated hundreds of them across its domestic network from the 1960s onwards. The DC-9 fleet became a defining feature of the airline, and many of these aircraft later carried on flying for Delta following the merger, with the last examples retired only in 2014. This made them among the final DC-9s in passenger service in the United States.
Liveries Through the Years
RuthAS, CC BY 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Northwest Orient livery 757
Northwest 747-400. Photo: Paul Spijkers
Northwest A320. By Makaristos (Own work) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
- During the Northwest Orient era, the aircraft wore a polished bare-metal fuselage with a red tail and bold “NORTHWEST ORIENT” titles.
- In the 1970s aircraft wore a dark blue cheatline with red tail and larger NORTHWEST titles.
- In the 1980s, the airline adopted the red tail with a wide cheatline of white and blue, a livery remembered fondly by many enthusiasts.
- In 1989 a red and grey livery was introduced, known universally as the “bowling shoe”. It used a red tail with compass ‘N’ logo and arrow pointing northwest.
- The final scheme, introduced in the early 2000s, was a more modern silver and grey fuselage with a stylised compass logo on the tail. The airline name was reduced to ‘nwa’ in large letters. While not as bold as the older schemes, it gave Northwest a sleek look during its last decade of operations.
Merger with Delta Air Lines
Despite its size and history, Northwest faced financial difficulties in the 2000s, filing for bankruptcy in 2005. Although it emerged from bankruptcy protection, the airline was soon caught up in industry consolidation.
In 2008, it was announced that Northwest would merge with Delta Air Lines, creating the world’s largest airline at the time. By 2010 the Northwest brand was retired, and its aircraft, staff, and routes were fully integrated into Delta’s operations.
The merger allowed Delta to strengthen its presence in Asia and the Midwest — two areas where Northwest had been particularly strong. For enthusiasts, it also meant the end of seeing that distinctive red tail at airports around the world.
Northwest Airbus A330-200 with ‘nwa’ livery. Photo (c) Scott
The merger also saw Delta’s fleet swell with many new aircraft. It included Northwest’s Airbus A319, A320, A330-200/300, Boeing 747-400, 757-200 and Douglas DC-9 fleets. Interestingly, Delta had previously retired its DC-9s in 1993, and so returned to operating the type and became the last scheduled airline to do so in America.
Northwest’s Legacy
N661US at the Delta Flight Museum. This was formerly a Northwest Airlines aircraft.
Northwest Airlines may no longer exist, but its impact on U.S. aviation is still felt today. From its pioneering Pacific routes as Northwest Orient, to its vast fleet and its role in shaping Delta’s global network, Northwest helped define an era of flying.
For many spotters, you can still see former Northwest aircraft active in the fleet of Delta – particularly the Airbus A319, A320 and A330 fleets. If you see an aircraft registration tail number ending in NW or NB, it is a giveaway that this was previously a Northwest aircraft.
You can also see former Northwest DC-9 and 747-400 aircraft at the Delta Flight Museum.
[Read: A Visit to the Delta Flight Museum in Atlanta]
Did you ever fly with Northwest Airlines, or catch one of its DC-9s or 747s before the merger? Share your stories and photos in the comments below!
