Northwest’s (NWACQ) regional subsidiary, Compass, is ready for flight right on schedule having been certificated by the Federal Aviation Administration last week. Compass will launch operations next month between MSP and Washington Dulles.
The certification covers passenger operations using 50-seat Bombardier (BBD) CRJ200s although it will add Embraer (ERJ) ERJ 175 service in the fall. While based in Chantilly, Va. the newest Northwest Airlink will serve points out of the major airlines hubs at Detroit, Minneapolis/St. Paul and Memphis. The fledgling carrier also received its approvals from the Department of Transportation. Related Story
“This is an exciting day for everyone at Compass Airlines,” said Neal Cohen, Compass chairman and chief executive officer, and Northwest Airlines executive vice president and chief financial officer. “The Compass team has worked extremely hard to reach this milestone and we look forward to starting passenger operations in the very near future.”
During the third quarter of 2007, Compass expects to launch service with the first of 36 ERJ 175s Northwest ordered for Compass last year. The aircraft is configured to 76 passengers in a dual class configuration, with 12 seats in first class and 64 seats in coach. Compass expects to operate a fleet of 10 ERJ 175s by the end of year and 36 by the end of 2008. Related Story