A discussion about the airline industry, airline employees, and all things related

This could be a critical vote for Northwest Airlines.  The pilots have said they are not happy with the idea of a lower paying regional carrier replacing some of their flights.  The vote could go either way but most likely pilots will grudgingly approve the contract concessions set forth by NWA. 

NWA recently announced that they will begin flying their new regional carrier, Compass, in early June from their hub in Minneapolis to Washington, D.C.  The aim of Compass Air is to reduce costs and help replace NWA's anicent DC-9 fleet.

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Pilots at Northwest Airlines began voting Thursday on a new contract that would cut their pay and force them to work more hours.

If they approve the contract, it would put to rest lingering worries about a pilots strike that could put Detroit Metro Airport's dominant carrier out of business.

If pilots reject the contract, Northwest again could ask a bankruptcy judge to throw out the pilots' contract. Pilots have voted to strike if their contract is voided and Northwest imposes new terms.

Voting on the pilots' tentative deal concludes May 3.

The proposed contract would:

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