Northwest Airlines Reports Second Quarter 2008 Financial Results

* Reuters is not responsible for the content in this press release.

Wed Jul 23, 2008 8:20am EDT

$170 million net income excluding impact of non-cash accounting
                                charges

         $3.3 billion in unrestricted liquidity at quarter end

      Northwest/Delta merger closing anticipated 4th quarter 2008
EAGAN, Minn.--(Business Wire)--
Northwest Airlines Corporation (NYSE:NWA) today reported a second
quarter 2008 net loss of $377 million, or $1.43 per share. Reported
results include a net non-cash impairment charge of $547 million and a
$250 million gain associated with marking-to-market out-of-period fuel
hedges. These results compare to the second quarter of 2007 when
Northwest reported net income of $2.1 billion, which included $1.9
billion related to reorganization items.

   Excluding the net non-cash impairment charge, Northwest reported
second quarter 2008 net income of $170 million versus the second
quarter of 2007 when the airline reported net income of $205 million
before the impact of reorganization items.

   Excluding taxes and out-of-period mark-to-market adjustments on
fuel hedges, Northwest paid $3.45 per gallon for jet fuel in the
second quarter compared to $2.04 a gallon in the second quarter of
2007, an increase of 69.3 percent. Northwest's total fuel costs,
excluding out-of-period hedge gains, increased by $637 million versus
the prior year.

   In commenting on second quarter results, Doug Steenland,
Northwest's president and chief executive officer said, "The
unprecedented run-up in oil prices continues to pose great challenges
for Northwest Airlines and the entire airline industry. In response,
we have acted swiftly to reduce capacity, preserve liquidity,
aggressively manage our costs and grow revenue through fare actions
and additional fees and charges."

   Northwest and Delta Progress Toward DOJ Approval and Integration;
Merger Expected to Close in 4th Quarter 2008

   In April, Northwest announced an agreement to merge with Delta Air
Lines. This merger is even more compelling in the current environment
and brings together two airlines that have both successfully
restructured and have unique and non-replicable assets.

   Since the merger announcement, integration planning teams
comprised of leaders from both Northwest and Delta have been created.
These teams are making significant progress in the efforts to
integrate the two carriers after the merger closes, which is expected
to occur in the 4th quarter of 2008.

   Since the merger announcement in April, the following progress has
been made:

   --  Joint pilot contract. Northwest and Delta announced that,
        subject to ratification, a joint pilot agreement that includes
        full seniority integration will be in place by the close of
        the merger.

   --  Combined Corporate Leadership Team. Northwest and Delta
        recently announced the Senior Leadership team that will lead
        the new combined carrier when the merger is closed.
        Additionally, key Northwest and Delta leaders were identified
        who will continue to lead the two teams as the two airlines
        transition to a single operating certificate over the next
        18-24 months.

   --  Shareholder approval vote. It was announced that the
        shareholder approval vote for the merger will take place at
        Northwest's annual meeting on September 25th.

   --  Increased annual synergies estimate. Northwest and Delta
        increased to $2.0 billion the estimate of annualized
        steady-state synergies created by the merger.

   --  Decreased one-time transition costs. The estimated one-time
        transition costs of the merger have been reduced to
        approximately $600 million.

   Steenland said, "When we first contemplated this merger at the end
of 2007, as oil was approaching $100 a barrel, we knew then that the
right transaction would better position us to cope with the fuel
challenges that lay ahead. Based on our due diligence, this deal met
all the tests of the right transaction - one that would benefit our
employees, customers, shareholders and communities over the long-term.
Now, given the current fuel environment, the merger makes even more
sense as the resulting synergies and cost-savings will better allow
the combined carrier to manage through these challenges as a stronger,
global competitor."

   Upon completion of the transaction, the merged carrier will
benefit from among the following competitive advantages: a global,
end-to-end network with little overlap; proven joint venture
relationships across the Trans-Atlantic; a strong balance sheet and
competitive cost structure; significant revenue and cost synergies;
manageable integration costs and the harmonious integration of
employee groups.

   Steenland concluded, "Unlike previous airline mergers,
Northwest-Delta is a merger of choice. Northwest and Delta are the two
strongest network airlines, with the strongest balance sheets,
liquidity positions and best-in-class cost structures in the
industry."

   Second Quarter Financial Overview

   Operating Revenues

   Northwest's operating revenues for the second quarter rose to $3.6
billion, up 12.4 percent from last year. Consolidated passenger
revenue increased by 10.0 percent versus the second quarter 2007 to
$3.1 billion on 3.6 percent more available seat miles (ASMs),
resulting in a 6.1 percent improvement in revenue per available seat
mile (RASM). This revenue growth was among the best in the industry
during the quarter. Excluding the impact of fresh-start accounting,
consolidated RASM increased 4.7 percent.

   Mainline passenger revenue increased by 5.4 percent versus the
second quarter 2007 to $2.6 billion on 0.1 percent more mainline
available seat miles (ASMs), resulting in a 5.3 percent improvement in
revenue per available seat mile (RASM) and a 0.1 percentage point
increase in load factor. Excluding the impact of fresh-start
accounting, mainline RASM increased 3.8 percent.

-0-
*T
               Second Quarter 2008 vs. Second Quarter 2007 - Inc/(Dec)
               -------------------------------------------------------
                Domestic   Pacific   Atlantic   Mainline  Consolidated
               ----------- -------- ---------- ---------- ------------
Passenger
 Revenue         (1.2%)      9.7%     28.0%       5.4%       10.0%

Passenger Unit
 Revenue          5.9%      10.8%     (0.2%)      5.3%        6.1%

Yield             5.0%       9.1%      4.8%       5.3%        6.6%

Capacity         (6.7%)     (0.9%)    28.1%       0.1%        3.6%

Load Factor      0.7 pts   1.4 pts  (4.2) pts   0.1 pts    (0.4) pts
*T

   Commenting on the airline's revenue performance, Tim Griffin,
Northwest's executive vice president of marketing and distribution
said, "Northwest continues to deliver strong revenue performance. The
airline achieved a length-of-haul adjusted domestic RASM that is 111.4
percent of the industry average based on the most recent comparative
data available." Griffin added, "We are encouraged by the unit revenue
growth we experienced during the quarter. Additional unit revenue
growth is expected due in part to the capacity reductions previously
announced, which will help to offset higher fuel expenses."

   Operating Expenses

   Second quarter operating expenses of $3.3 billion, excluding the
net non-cash impairment charge, were up $504 million, or 17.8 percent
year-over-year as the result of the $637 million increase in
year-over-year fuel expense. Excluding fuel costs, the gain associated
with marking-to-market out-of-period fuel hedges, and the net non-cash
impairment charge, operating expenses increased by $123 million
year-over-year. For the quarter, Northwest's mainline unit costs per
available seat mile (CASM), excluding fuel and non-recurring items,
increased 4.7 percent year-over-year, which was favorable to prior
guidance. The increase was primarily due to the continued impact of
non-cash emergence-related items and integration expenses related to
the merger with Delta. Excluding the impact of these items, second
quarter CASM excluding fuel increased 1.0 percent.

   Dave Davis, Northwest's executive vice-president and chief
financial officer, said, "Our strong second quarter ex-fuel CASM
performance demonstrates Northwest's continued focus on prudent cost
control."

   Fuel continues to be Northwest's single largest cost, representing
43.7 percent of the company's second quarter operating expenses,
excluding the net non-cash impairment charge and out-of-period
mark-to-market adjustments on fuel hedges. Northwest had previously
hedged approximately 40 percent of its fuel exposure for the quarter
and realized $43 million in value from settled fuel hedge contracts
during the quarter. As of July 21st, Northwest has hedged
approximately 63 percent of its third quarter requirements, 56 percent
of its fourth quarter requirements and 21 percent of its first quarter
2009 fuel requirements.

   $547 Million Non-cash Accounting Charge

   Northwest finalized the goodwill impairment testing that resulted
in the $3.9 billion charge reflected in the first quarter of 2008. As
a result, it was determined that an additional net non-cash impairment
charge of $547 million was required.

   Strong Total Cash Position of $3.7 billion

   Northwest ended the quarter with $3.3 billion in unrestricted cash
and $424 million in restricted cash. The restricted cash balance
includes a funded tax trust of $255 million that was established in
2002. On July 15th, Northwest closed a financing of unencumbered
aircraft and engines that generated approximately $180 million in
additional liquidity. These proceeds will be reflected in Northwest's
third quarter ending cash balance.

   In addressing Northwest's liquidity, Davis said, "Despite the
significant year-over-year increase in fuel related expenses during
the quarter, Northwest has maintained among the strongest liquidity
positions in the industry. Including the value of Northwest's funded
tax trust that was established in 2002, the airline's quarter ending
liquidity was $3.5 billion, or 26.6 percent of trailing 12 months
revenue."

   Northwest's Continued Response to Extraordinary Fuel Costs

   In response to the record increases in fuel-related costs, during
the second quarter, Northwest announced the following initiatives:

   1. Fourth Quarter 2008 Capacity, Fleet and Personnel Reductions

   --  Capacity Reductions. Northwest will reduce its fourth quarter
        2008 system mainline capacity (domestic and international) 8.5
        percent - 9.5 percent versus the fourth quarter of 2007.

   --  Fleet Changes. As a result of the reduced capacity, Northwest
        is removing a combination of 14 B757s and Airbus narrowbody
        aircraft from the fleet. In addition, the DC9 fleet will be
        reduced from 94 aircraft at the start of 2008 to 61 aircraft
        (20 DC9-30s and 41 DC9-40s/50s) by year-end. The airline also
        continues to take delivery of its 76-seat regional aircraft.
        The 76-seat fleet, which will grow to 36 Embraer EMB-175s and
        36 Bombardier CRJ900s by year-end, is approximately 30 percent
        more fuel efficient than the DC9s.

   --  Personnel Reductions. As a result of the fuel price driven
        flight reductions, Northwest is reducing its frontline and
        management personnel by 2,500. All Northwest employee groups
        will be affected. The reductions are being achieved first
        through a variety of voluntary programs including early-out
        programs, voluntary leaves, work rule modifications and
        attrition. Furloughs will be employed if voluntary means fail
        to achieve the targeted reductions.

   2. Revenue Enhancements/Fees Expect to Generate $250 million to
$300 million annually

   --  Fees for Checked Bags. Northwest matched competitors' plans to
        charge $15 for the customer's first checked bag. The new
        policy applies to tickets sold on or after July 10, for travel
        starting August 28, throughout the United States as well as
        travel between the U.S. and Canada. Northwest also charges $25
        for a second checked bag and $100 for the third and subsequent
        additional checked bags. Frequent flier elites are exempt from
        the policy, along with full-fare coach passengers.

   --  Fees for Award Tickets. Northwest also implemented a
        fuel-related service fee for WorldPerks(R) award tickets. For
        WorldPerks(R) Award tickets issued in North America on or
        after September 15, 2008, Northwest will charge $25 for
        domestic tickets, $50 for Trans-Atlantic tickets, and $100 for
        Trans-Pacific travel.

   --  Fees for Ticket Changes. Northwest also increased fees for
        ticket changes. Starting July 9, the fee for domestic
        non-refundable ticket changes increased from $100 to $150.
        International ticket change fees increased by an additional
        $50 to $150 per ticket, depending on class of service and
        other restrictions.

   FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

   Statements in this presentation that are not purely historical
facts, including statements regarding our beliefs, expectations,
intentions or strategies for the future, may be "forward-looking
statements" under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of
1995. All forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and
uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially
from the plans, intentions and expectations reflected in or suggested
by the forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties
include, among others, the ability of the company to operate pursuant
to the terms of its financing facilities (particularly the related
financial covenants), the ability of the company to attract, motivate
and/or retain key executives and associates, the future level of air
travel demand, the company's future passenger traffic and yields, the
airline industry pricing environment, increased costs for security,
the cost and availability of aviation insurance coverage and war risk
coverage, the general economic condition of the U.S. and other regions
of the world, the price and availability of jet fuel, the war in Iraq,
the possibility of additional terrorist attacks or the fear of such
attacks, concerns about Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and
other influenza or contagious illnesses, labor strikes, work
disruptions, labor negotiations both at other carriers and the
company, difficulties in integrating the operations of the company and
Delta following the merger, low cost carrier expansion, capacity
decisions of other carriers, actions of the U.S. and foreign
governments (including conditions imposed by U.S. or foreign
governments to obtain regulatory approval for the merger), foreign
currency exchange rate fluctuations and inflation. Other factors
include the possibility that the merger may not close, including due
to the failure to receive required stockholder or regulatory
approvals, or the failure of other closing conditions. Northwest
cautions that the foregoing list of factors is not exclusive.
Additional information with respect to the factors and events that
could cause differences between forward-looking statements and future
actual results is contained in the company's Securities and Exchange
Commission filings, including the company's Annual Report on Form 10-K
for the year ended December 31, 2007 and subsequently filed quarterly
reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K. We undertake no
obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events
or circumstances that may arise after the date of this presentation.

   Additional Information about the Merger and Where to Find It

   In connection with the proposed merger, Delta filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") a Registration Statement on
Form S-4 that includes a joint proxy statement of Delta and Northwest,
which also constitutes a prospectus of Delta. Delta and Northwest will
mail the joint proxy statement/prospectus to their stockholders. Delta
and Northwest urge investors and security holders to read the joint
proxy statement/prospectus regarding the proposed merger when it
becomes available because it will contain important information. You
may obtain copies of all documents filed with the SEC regarding this
transaction, free of charge, at the SEC's website (www.sec.gov). You
may also obtain these documents, free of charge, from Delta's website
(www.delta.com) under the tab "About Delta" and then under the heading
"Investor Relations" and then under the item "SEC Filings." You may
also obtain these documents, free of charge, from Northwest's website
(www.nwa.com) under the tab "About Northwest" and then under the
heading "Investor Relations" and then under the item "SEC Filings and
Section 16 Filings."

   Delta, Northwest and their respective directors, executive
officers and certain other members of management and employees may be
soliciting proxies from Delta and Northwest stockholders in favor of
the merger. Information regarding the persons who may, under the rules
of the SEC, be deemed participants in the solicitation of Delta and
Northwest stockholders in connection with the proposed merger will be
set forth in the final proxy statement/prospectus when it is filed
with the SEC. You can find information about Delta's executive
officers and directors in its Annual Reports on Form 10-K (including
any amendments thereto), Current Reports on Form 8-K and other
documents subsequently filed with the SEC, as well as in its
definitive proxy statement filed with the SEC in connection with
Delta's 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. You can find information
about Northwest's executive officers and directors in its Annual
Reports on Form 10-K (including any amendments thereto), Current
Reports on Form 8-K and other documents subsequently filed with the
SEC, as well as in its definitive proxy statement to be filed with the
SEC related to Northwest's 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. You
can obtain free copies of these documents from Delta and Northwest
using the contact information above.

   Northwest Airlines is one of the world's largest airlines with
hubs at Detroit, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Memphis, Tokyo and Amsterdam,
and approximately 1,400 daily departures. Northwest is a member of
SkyTeam, an airline alliance that offers customers one of the world's
most extensive global networks. Northwest and its travel partners
serve more than 1,000 cities in excess of 160 countries on six
continents.

   Further details regarding the Northwest / Delta merger can be
found at www.newglobalairline.com.

-0-
*T
                    NORTHWEST AIRLINES CORPORATION

----------------------------------------------------------------------
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
----------------------------------------------------------------------
(Unaudited, in millions except per share amounts)

                         Successor (a)     Predecessor Combined
                      -------------------- ----------- --------
                       Three                            Three
                       Months  Period from Period from  Months
                       Ended    June 1 to  April 1 to   Ended     %
                      June 30,  June 30,     May 31,   June 30,  Incr
                        2008      2007        2007       2007   (Decr)
                      -------- ----------------------- -------- ------
OPERATING REVENUES
  Passenger           $ 2,558  $      861  $    1,566  $ 2,427    5.4
  Regional carrier
   revenues               512         135         229      364   40.7
  Cargo                   212          69         129      198    7.1
  Other                   294          65         127      192   53.1
                      -------- ----------------------- --------
    Total operating
     revenues           3,576       1,130       2,051    3,181   12.4

OPERATING EXPENSES
  Aircraft fuel and
   taxes (b)            1,207         270         585      855   41.2
  Salaries, wages and
   benefits               685         205         412      617   11.0
  Aircraft
   maintenance
   materials and
   repairs                197          64         119      183    7.7
  Selling and
   marketing              197          65         124      189    4.2
  Other rentals and
   landing fees           153          46          94      140    9.3
  Depreciation and
   amortization           121          39          85      124   (2.4)
  Aircraft rentals         94          31          64       95   (1.1)
  Regional carrier
   expenses               207          60         131      191    8.4
  Other unusual items
   (c)                    548           -           -        -    n/m
  Other                   467         155         275      430    8.6
                      -------- ----------------------- --------
    Total operating
     expenses           3,876         935       1,889    2,824   37.3

OPERATING INCOME
 (LOSS)                  (300)        195         162      357
  Operating margin      (8.4)%       17.3%        7.9%    11.2%

OTHER INCOME
 (EXPENSE)
  Interest expense,
   net                   (108)        (40)        (87)    (127)
  Investment income        24          17          25       42
  Foreign currency
   gain (loss)              8           1           -        1
  Other unusual items
   (c)                   (213)          -           -        -
  Other                    (2)          2          (2)       -
                      -------- ----------------------- --------
    Total other
     income (expense)    (291)        (20)        (64)     (84)
                      -------- ----------------------- --------

INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE
 REORGANIZATION
  ITEMS AND INCOME
   TAXES                 (591)        175          98      273

  Reorganization
   items, net (d)           -           -       1,944    1,944
                      -------- ----------------------- --------

INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE
 INCOME TAXES            (591)        175       2,042    2,217

  Income tax expense
   (benefit) (c) (e)     (214)         69          (1)      68
                      -------- ----------------------- --------

NET INCOME (LOSS)     $  (377) $      106  $    2,043  $ 2,149
                      ======== ======================= ========

Earnings (Loss) per
 common share: (f)
  Basic               $ (1.43) $     0.41  $    23.37
  Diluted             $ (1.43) $     0.41  $    16.87

Average shares used
 in computation:
  Basic                   263         262          87
  Diluted                 263         262         113

See accompanying consolidated notes.
*T

-0-
*T
                    NORTHWEST AIRLINES CORPORATION

----------------------------------------------------------------------
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
----------------------------------------------------------------------
(Unaudited, in millions except per share amounts)

                     Successor (a)      Predecessor   Combined
                 ---------------------- ------------ ----------
                 Six Months Period From Period From  Six Months
                   Ended     June 1 to  January 1 to   Ended      %
                  June 30,   June 30,     May 31,     June 30,   Incr
                    2008       2007         2007        2007    (Decr)
                 ---------- ------------------------ ---------- ------
OPERATING
 REVENUES
  Passenger      $  4,797   $      861  $     3,768  $   4,629    3.6
  Regional
   carrier
   revenues           922          135          521        656   40.5
  Cargo               410           69          318        387    5.9
  Other               574           65          317        382   50.3
                 ---------- ------------------------ ----------
    Total
     operating
     revenues       6,703        1,130        4,924      6,054   10.7

OPERATING
 EXPENSES
  Aircraft fuel
   and taxes (b)    2,321          270        1,289      1,559   48.9
  Salaries,
   wages and
   benefits         1,355          205        1,027      1,232   10.0
  Aircraft
   maintenance
   materials and
   repairs            418           64          303        367   13.9
  Selling and
   marketing          390           65          315        380    2.6
  Other rentals
   and landing
   fees               291           46          235        281    3.6
  Depreciation
   and
   amortization       252           39          206        245    2.9
  Aircraft
   rentals            187           31          160        191   (2.1)
  Regional
   carrier
   expenses           412           60          342        402    2.5
  Other unusual
   items (c)        4,483            -            -          -    n/m
  Other               947          155          684        839   12.9
                 ---------- ------------------------ ----------
    Total
     operating
     expenses      11,056          935        4,561      5,496  101.2

OPERATING INCOME
 (LOSS)            (4,353)         195          363        558
  Operating
   margin           (64.9)%       17.3%         7.4%       9.2%

OTHER INCOME
 (EXPENSE)
  Interest
   expense, net      (222)         (40)        (219)      (259)
  Investment
   income              61           17           56         73
  Foreign
   currency gain
   (loss)               -            1            -          1
  Other unusual
   items (c)         (213)           -            -          -
  Other                (3)           2           (2)         -
                 ---------- ------------------------ ----------
    Total other
     income
     (expense)       (377)         (20)        (165)      (185)
                 ---------- ------------------------ ----------

INCOME (LOSS)
 BEFORE
 REORGANIZATION
  ITEMS AND
   INCOME TAXES    (4,730)         175          198        373

  Reorganization
   items, net
   (d)                  -            -        1,551      1,551
                 ---------- ------------------------ ----------

INCOME (LOSS)
 BEFORE INCOME
 TAXES             (4,730)         175        1,749      1,924

  Income tax
   expense
   (benefit) (c)
   (e)               (214)          69           (2)        67
                 ---------- ------------------------ ----------

NET INCOME
 (LOSS)          $ (4,516)  $      106  $     1,751  $   1,857
                 ========== ======================== ==========

Earnings (Loss)
 per common
 share: (f)
  Basic          $ (17.19)  $     0.41  $     20.03
  Diluted        $ (17.19)  $     0.41  $     14.28

Average shares
 used in
 computation:
  Basic               263          262           87
  Diluted             263          262          113

See accompanying consolidated notes.
*T

-0-
*T
                    NORTHWEST AIRLINES CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED NOTES
----------------------------------------------------------------------
(Unaudited)

(a) Northwest Airlines Corporation ("NWA Corp." or the "Company") is a
     holding company whose operating subsidiary is Northwest Airlines,
     Inc. ("Northwest"). In September 2005, NWA Corp. and Northwest,
     along with certain direct and indirect subsidiaries filed Chapter
     11 petitions for relief in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the
     Southern District of New York. On May 31, 2007, the Company
     emerged from Chapter 11.

    In connection with its emergence from Chapter 11, the Company
     adopted fresh-start reporting in accordance with American
     Institute of Certified Public Accountants' Statement of Position
     90-7, Financial Reporting by Entities in Reorganization Under the
     Bankruptcy Code ("SOP 90-7"). References to "Successor" refer to
     NWA Corp. on or after June 1, 2007, after giving effect to the
     application of fresh-start reporting. References to "Predecessor"
     refer to NWA Corp. prior to June 1, 2007. Thus, the consolidated
     financial statements prior to June 1, 2007 reflect results based
     upon the historical cost basis of the Company while the post-
     emergence consolidated financial statements reflect the new basis
     of accounting incorporating the fair value adjustments made in
     recording the effects of fresh-start reporting. Therefore, the
     post-emergence periods are not comparable to the pre-emergence
     periods. However, for discussions on the results of operations,
     the Company has compared the Successor Company's results for the
     three months ended June 30, 2008 to the Predecessor Company's
     results for two months ended May 31, 2007 and the Successor
     Company's results for one month ended June 30, 2007.

    In addition to the fair value adjustments required for fresh-start
     reporting, the Company changed its policies pertaining to the
     accounting for frequent flyer obligations and breakage of
     passenger tickets. Additionally, on April 24, 2007, Mesaba
     Aviation, Inc. was acquired by the Company and became a wholly-
     owned consolidated subsidiary. See the table of Reconciliation of
     Year-over-Year Variances for further details.

(b) During the three and six months ended June 30, 2008, the Company
     recorded $250 million in mark-to-market gains and $237 million in
     mark-to-market gains, respectively, related to fuel derivative
     contracts that will settle during the remainder of 2008. During
     the three and six months ended June 30, 2007, the Company
     recorded $6 million in mark-to-market losses and $22 million in
     mark-to-market gains, respectively, related to fuel derivative
     contracts that settled in subsequent periods during 2007.

(c) During the first quarter of 2008, the Company recorded a non-cash
     goodwill impairment charge of $3.9 billion to reduce the book
     value of Northwest's equity to its implied fair value as of the
     merger announcement date. This goodwill impairment charge was a
     preliminary estimate. During the second quarter, the Company
     completed Step 2 of its goodwill impairment test by measuring the
     fair value of its assets and liabilities in order to compute the
     implied fair value of its goodwill as described in SFAS No. 142,
     Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets ("SFAS No. 142"). As a
     result of this analysis, the Company recorded a net non-cash
     charge of $547 million. Included in this net non-cash charge are
     $0.6 million in impairment charges related to spare engines. See
     the table of Reconciliation of Goodwill and Other Impairment Step
     2 Adjustments for further details.

(d) In connection with its bankruptcy proceedings and adoption of
     fresh-start reporting, the Company recorded largely non-cash
     reorganization income (expense) and, in accordance with GAAP,
     these items are separately classified in the Condensed
     Consolidated Statements of Operations.

(e) Generally, the Company would not record a tax benefit related to a
     quarterly net loss unless it had a high degree of confidence that
     it would record a full-year profit. A tax benefit of $214 million
     was recorded during the second quarter of 2008 to decrease the
     deferred tax liability associated with the impairment of an
     indefinite-lived intangible asset.

(f) Successor EPS. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2008,
     approximately 12 million restricted stock units and stock options
     to purchase shares of the Successor Company's common stock were
     outstanding but excluded from the computation of diluted earnings
     per share because the Company reported a net loss for these
     periods.

    For the period June 1 to June 30, 2007, approximately 13 million
     restricted stock units and stock options to purchase shares of
     the Successor Company's common stock were outstanding but
     excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share
     because the effect of including the shares would have been anti-
     dilutive.

    Predecessor EPS. Predecessor basic earnings per share was computed
     based on the Predecessor's weighted average shares outstanding.
     Dilutive earnings per share included securities related to the
     Company's Series C Preferred Stock and convertible debt.

    At May 31, 2007, stock options to purchase approximately 7 million
     shares of common stock were outstanding but excluded from the
     computation of diluted earnings per share because the effect of
     including the shares would have been anti-dilutive.
*T

-0-
*T
                    NORTHWEST AIRLINES CORPORATION

----------------------------------------------------------------------
RECONCILIATION OF YEAR-OVER-YEAR VARIANCES
----------------------------------------------------------------------
(Unaudited, in millions)

 As a result of the adoption of fresh-start reporting, the Company's
  financial statements on or after June 1, 2007 are not comparable
  with its pre-emergence financial statements because they are, in
  effect, those of a new entity. In addition to the fair value
  adjustments required for fresh-start reporting, the Company changed
  its policies pertaining to the accounting for frequent flyer
  obligations and breakage of passenger tickets. The effects of fresh-
  start reporting, the policy changes and the impact of exit-related
  stock compensation expense on the Company's Condensed Consolidated
  Statement of Operations are itemized below in column (A).

 During the first quarter of 2008, the Company recorded a non-cash
  goodwill impairment charge of $3.9 billion to reduce the book value
  of Northwest's equity to its implied fair value as of the merger
  announcement date. This goodwill impairment charge was a preliminary
  estimate. During the second quarter, the Company completed Step 2 of
  its goodwill impairment test by measuring the fair value of its
  assets and liabilities in order to compute the implied fair value of
  its goodwill as described in SFAS No. 142. As a result of this
  analysis, the Company recorded a net non-cash charge of $547
  million. Included in this net non-cash charge are $0.6 million in
  impairment charges related to spare engines. The impact on the
  Company's year-over-year variance as a result of these charges is
  itemized in column (B).

 On April 24, 2007, Mesaba Aviation, Inc. was acquired by the Company
  and became a wholly-owned consolidated subsidiary. The impact on the
  Company's year-over-year variance as a result of this consolidation
  is itemized in column (C).

 Excluding the items listed above, the comparable year-over-year
  operating performance variances are itemized in column (D).
*T

-0-
*T
                                 Successor     Combined
                               ------------- -------------

                               Three Months  Three Months   Total
                                   Ended         Ended      Incr
                               June 30, 2008 June 30, 2007 (Decr)
                               ------------- ------------- -------
OPERATING REVENUES
   Passenger                        $2,558         $2,427  $  131
   Regional carrier revenues           512            364     148
   Cargo                               212            198      14
   Other                               294            192     102
                               ------------- ------------- -------
     Total operating revenues        3,576          3,181     395

OPERATING EXPENSES
   Aircraft fuel and taxes           1,207            855     352
   Salaries, wages and
    benefits                           685            617      68
   Aircraft maintenance
    materials and repairs              197            183      14
   Selling and marketing               197            189       8
   Other rentals and landing
    fees                               153            140      13
   Depreciation and
    amortization                       121            124      (3)
   Aircraft rentals                     94             95      (1)
   Regional carrier expenses           207            191      16
   Other unusual items                 548              -     548
   Other                               467            430      37
                               ------------- ------------- -------
     Total operating expenses        3,876          2,824   1,052

OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)               (300)           357    (657)
   Operating margin                   (8.4)%         11.2%  (19.6)pts.

                        (A)          (B)      (C)      (D)
                   -------------------------------------------
                           Increase (Decrease) Due To:
                   -------------------------------------------
                    Fresh-Start/             Mesaba             Total
                    Exit-Related  Impairment Net of             Incr
                   Stk Comp. Exp.  Charges    Elim  Operations (Decr)
                   ------------------------------------------- -------
OPERATING REVENUES
  Passenger        $          (7) $       -  $   -  $     138  $  131
  Regional carrier
   revenues                    4          -      -        144     148
  Cargo                        -          -      -         14      14
  Other                       16          -      -         86     102
                   ------------------------------------------- -------
    Total
     operating
     revenues                 13          -      -        382     395

OPERATING EXPENSES
  Aircraft fuel
   and taxes                   -          -      -        352     352
  Salaries, wages
   and benefits               13          -     12         43      68
  Aircraft
   maintenance
   materials and
   repairs                     -          -      4         10      14
  Selling and
   marketing                   -          -      -          8       8
  Other rentals
   and landing
   fees                        -          -      2         11      13
  Depreciation and
   amortization               (1)         -      1         (3)     (3)
  Aircraft rentals             -          -      -         (1)     (1)
  Regional carrier
   expenses                    -          -    (20)        36      16
  Other unusual
   items                       -        548      -          -     548
  Other                        -          -      -         37      37
                   ------------------------------------------- -------
    Total
     operating
     expenses                 12        548     (1)       493   1,052

OPERATING INCOME
 (LOSS)                        1       (548)     1       (111)   (657)
  Operating margin


----------------------------------------------------------------------
RECONCILIATION OF YEAR-OVER-YEAR OPERATING EXPENSE VARIANCES
----------------------------------------------------------------------
(Unaudited, in millions)

  Total operating expenses         $3,876  $2,824  $ 1,052
    Excluding:
    Goodwill and other impairment
      Step 2 adjustments              548       -      548
    Mainline fuel                   1,207     855      352
    Regional carrier expenses -
     fuel only                        109      80       29
                                   ------- ------- --------
                                   $2,012  $1,889  $   123
                                   ======= ======= ========
*T

-0-
*T
                    NORTHWEST AIRLINES CORPORATION

----------------------------------------------------------------------
REPORTED NET INCOME / (LOSS) EXCLUDING NON-RECURRING
 ITEMS
----------------------------------------------------------------------
(Unaudited, in
 millions)

                        Successor           Combined
                    ------------------ ------------------
                    Three Months Ended Three Months Ended
                      June 30, 2008      June 30, 2007
                    ------------------ ------------------

Net income / (loss)           $ (377)             $2,149

Excluding unusual
 items:
  Reorganization
   items, net                      -               1,944
  Goodwill and other
   impairment Step 2
   adjustments                  (547)                  -
                    ------------------ ------------------

Net income / (loss)
 excluding unusual
 items                           170                 205

Excluding:
  Mark-to-market on
   fuel derivative
   contracts to be
   settled in future
    periods                      250                  (6)
                    ------------------ ------------------

Adjusted net income
 / (loss)                     $  (80)             $  211
                    ================== ==================



----------------------------------------------------------------------
RECONCILIATION OF GOODWILL AND OTHER IMPAIRMENT STEP 2
 ADJUSTMENTS
----------------------------------------------------------------------
(Unaudited, in
 millions)

                                        Successor
                    --------------------------------------------------
                                                          Three Months
                                                              Ended
                                                           June 30,
                                                              2008
                                                           Excluding
                    Three Months Ended Goodwill and Other   Goodwill
                                                           and Other
                      June 30, 2008    Impairment Step 2   Impairment
                                                            Step 2
                      (as reported)       Adjustments      Adjustments
                    ------------------ ------------------ ------------
Operating revenues            $3,576              $    -       $3,576

Operating expenses             3,876                 548        3,328
                    ------------------ ------------------ ------------

Operating income
 (loss)                         (300)               (548)         248
   Operating margin             (8.4)%                            6.9%

Other income
 (expense)                      (291)               (213)         (78)
                    ------------------ ------------------ ------------

Income (loss) before
 income taxes                   (591)               (761)         170

   Income tax
    expense
    (benefit)                   (214)               (214)           -
                    ------------------ ------------------ ------------

Net income (loss)             $ (377)             $ (547)      $  170
                    ================== ================== ============
*T

-0-
*T
                    NORTHWEST AIRLINES CORPORATION

----------------------------------------------------------------------
PASSENGER AND REGIONAL CARRIER REVENUES AND STATISTICAL RESULTS
----------------------------------------------------------------------
(Unaudited)


                                 Three Months Ended        Percent
                                      June 30,             Change
                               ----------------------      -------
                                 2008          2007
                               --------      --------
Scheduled Service -
 Consolidated: (1)
  Available seat miles (ASM)
   (millions)                   24,519        23,656          3.6
  Revenue passenger miles
   (RPM) (millions)             20,852        20,192          3.3
  Passenger load factor           85.0 %        85.4 %       (0.4)pts.
  Revenue passengers
   (millions)                     17.5          17.4          0.6

  Passenger revenue per RPM
   (yield)                       14.73 cents   13.82 cents    6.6
  Passenger revenue per RPM
   (yield) excluding fresh-
   start                         14.70 cents   13.98 cents    5.2

  Passenger revenue per ASM
   (RASM)                        12.52 cents   11.80 cents    6.1
  Passenger revenue per ASM
   (RASM) excluding
    fresh-start                  12.50 cents   11.94 cents    4.7

  Fuel gallons consumed -
   Consolidated (millions) (1)     436           433          0.7

Scheduled Service - Mainline:
 (2)
  Available seat miles (ASM)
   (millions)                   21,913        21,897          0.1
  Revenue passenger miles
   (RPM) (millions)             18,839        18,811          0.1
  Passenger load factor           86.0 %        85.9 %        0.1 pts.
  Revenue passengers
   (millions)                     13.3          14.1         (5.7)

  Passenger revenue per RPM
   (yield)                       13.58 cents   12.90 cents    5.3
  Passenger revenue per RPM
   (yield) excluding fresh-
   start                         13.58 cents   13.08 cents    3.8

  Passenger revenue per ASM
   (RASM)                        11.67 cents   11.08 cents    5.3
  Passenger revenue per ASM
   (RASM) excluding
    fresh-start                  11.67 cents   11.24 cents    3.8

  Fuel gallons consumed -
   Mainline (millions) (2)         376           390         (3.6)

                                  Six Months Ended         Percent
                                      June 30,             Change
                               ----------------------      -------
                                 2008          2007
                               -------       --------
Scheduled Service -
 Consolidated: (1)
  Available seat miles (ASM)
   (millions)                   47,878        46,549          2.9
  Revenue passenger miles
   (RPM) (millions)             40,067        38,810          3.2
  Passenger load factor           83.7 %        83.4 %        0.3 pts.
  Revenue passengers
   (millions)                     33.3          33.0          0.9

  Passenger revenue per RPM
   (yield)                       14.27 cents   13.62 cents    4.8
  Passenger revenue per RPM
   (yield) excluding fresh-
   start                         14.32 cents   13.70 cents    4.5

  Passenger revenue per ASM
   (RASM)                        11.95 cents   11.35 cents    5.3
  Passenger revenue per ASM
   (RASM) excluding
    fresh-start                  11.98 cents   11.42 cents    4.9

  Fuel gallons consumed -
   Consolidated (millions) (1)     856           851          0.6

Scheduled Service - Mainline:
 (2)
  Available seat miles (ASM)
   (millions)                   43,058        43,148         (0.2)
  Revenue passenger miles
   (RPM) (millions)             36,459        36,303          0.4
  Passenger load factor           84.7 %        84.1 %        0.6 pts.
  Revenue passengers
   (millions)                     25.6          27.0         (5.2)

  Passenger revenue per RPM
   (yield)                       13.16 cents   12.75 cents    3.2
  Passenger revenue per RPM
   (yield) excluding fresh-
   start                         13.23 cents   12.84 cents    3.0

  Passenger revenue per ASM
   (RASM)                        11.14 cents   10.73 cents    3.8
  Passenger revenue per ASM
   (RASM) excluding
    fresh-start                  11.20 cents   10.81 cents    3.6

  Fuel gallons consumed -
   Mainline (millions) (2)         743           769         (3.4)


----------------------------------------------------------------------
PASSENGER AND REGIONAL CARRIER REVENUES
----------------------------------------------------------------------
(Unaudited)


                              Domestic      Pacific      Atlantic
                              --------      -------      --------
As reported:
-----------------------------
Second Quarter 2008
  Passenger revenues (in
   millions)                  $ 1,529       $  576       $   453

Increase (Decrease) from
 2007:
  Passenger revenues             (1.2)%        9.7 %        28.0 %

  Scheduled service ASMs
   (capacity)                    (6.7)%       (0.9)%        28.1 %
  Scheduled service RPMs
   (traffic)                     (5.9)%        0.6 %        22.0 %
  Passenger load factor           0.7 pts.     1.4 pts.     (4.2)pts.
  Yield                           5.0 %        9.1 %         4.8 %
  Passenger RASM                  5.9 %       10.8 %        (0.2)%

Excluding fresh-start:
-----------------------------
Second Quarter 2008
  Passenger revenues (in
   millions)                  $ 1,524       $  582       $   451

Increase (Decrease) from
 2007:
  Passenger revenues             (3.5)%       10.0 %        27.8 %
  Yield                           2.6 %        9.2 %         4.8 %
  Passenger RASM                  3.5 %       10.9 %        (0.2)%

                                       Mainline      Consolidated
                                       --------      ------------
As reported:
--------------------------------------
Second Quarter 2008
  Passenger revenues (in millions)     $  2,558      $     3,070

Increase (Decrease) from 2007:
  Passenger revenues                        5.4 %           10.0 %

  Scheduled service ASMs (capacity)         0.1 %            3.6 %
  Scheduled service RPMs (traffic)          0.1 %            3.3 %
  Passenger load factor                     0.1 pts.        (0.4)pts.
  Yield                                     5.3 %            6.6 %
  Passenger RASM                            5.3 %            6.1 %

Excluding fresh-start:
--------------------------------------
Second Quarter 2008
  Passenger revenues (in millions)     $  2,557      $     3,065

Increase (Decrease) from 2007:
  Passenger revenues                        3.9 %            8.5 %
  Yield                                     3.8 %            5.2 %
  Passenger RASM                            3.8 %            4.7 %



(1) Consolidated statistics include Northwest Airlink regional
     carriers.
(2) Mainline statistics exclude Northwest Airlink regional carriers,
     which is consistent with how the Company reports statistics to
     the Department of Transportation ("DOT").
*T

-0-
*T
                    NORTHWEST AIRLINES CORPORATION

----------------------------------------------------------------------
MAINLINE OPERATING STATISTICAL RESULTS (1)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
(Unaudited)

                                     Three Months Ended        Percent
                                          June 30,             Change
                                     -------------------       -------
                                      2008         2007
                                     ------       ------

Total operating ASM (millions)       22,058       21,921          0.6


Passenger service operating expense
 per total ASM (2) (3)                12.04 cents  10.47 cents   15.0
Mainline fuel expense per total ASM    4.66 cents   3.42 cents   36.3
Mainline fuel expense per total ASM,
 excluding mark-to-market
 adjustments related to fuel
 derivative contracts that settle in
 future periods                        5.56 cents   3.39 cents   64.0

Cargo ton miles (CTM) (millions)        459          505         (9.1)
Cargo revenue per ton mile            46.27 cents  39.19 cents   18.1

Fuel gallons consumed (millions)        376          390         (3.6)
Average fuel cost per gallon,
 excluding fuel taxes                287.80 cents 205.89 cents   39.8

Average fuel cost per gallon,
 excluding fuel taxes and mark-to-
 market adjustments related to fuel
 derivative contracts that settle in
 future periods                      345.10 cents 203.88 cents   69.3

Number of operating aircraft at end
 of period
Full-time equivalent employees at
 end of period

                                      Six Months Ended         Percent
                                          June 30,             Change
                                     -------------------       -------
                                      2008         2007
                                     ------       ------

Total operating ASM (millions)       43,327       43,188          0.3


Passenger service operating expense
 per total ASM (2) (3)                12.14 cents  10.39 cents   16.8
Mainline fuel expense per total ASM    4.60 cents   3.19 cents   44.2
Mainline fuel expense per total ASM,
 excluding mark-to-market
 adjustments related to fuel
 derivative contracts that settle in
 future periods                        5.04 cents   3.23 cents   56.0

Cargo ton miles (CTM) (millions)        917          962         (4.7)
Cargo revenue per ton mile            44.69 cents  40.24 cents   11.1

Fuel gallons consumed (millions)        743          769         (3.4)
Average fuel cost per gallon,
 excluding fuel taxes                283.82 cents 191.74 cents   48.0

Average fuel cost per gallon,
 excluding fuel taxes and mark-to-
 market adjustments related to fuel
 derivative contracts that settle in
 future periods                      311.24 cents 194.44 cents   60.1

Number of operating aircraft at end
 of period                              339          372         (8.9)
Full-time equivalent employees at
 end of period                       29,674       29,589          0.3
*T

   (1) Mainline statistics exclude Northwest Airlink regional
carriers, which is consistent with how the Company reports statistics
to the DOT.

   (2) This financial measure excludes non-passenger service
expenses. The Company believes that providing financial measures
directly related to passenger service operations allows investors to
evaluate and compare the Company's core operating results to those of
the industry.

   (3) Passenger service operating expense excludes the following
items unrelated to passenger service operations, net of eliminations
where applicable:

-0-
*T
                                 Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended
                                      June 30,           June 30,
                                 ------------------ ------------------
(In millions)                      2008      2007     2008      2007
                                 --------- -------- --------- --------
Goodwill and other impairment
 Step 2 adjustments              $     548 $      - $   4,483 $      -
Regional carrier expenses              446      305       859      579
Freighter operations                   157      154       323      288
MLT Inc.                                39       50        84      105
Other                                   29       19        48       35
*T

-0-
*T
                    NORTHWEST AIRLINES CORPORATION

----------------------------------------------------------------------
SELECTED BALANCE SHEET DATA
----------------------------------------------------------------------
(Unaudited, in millions)

                                         Successor        Successor
                                      ---------------- ---------------
                                          June 30,      December 31,
                                            2008            2007
                                      ---------------- ---------------
   Cash and cash equivalents          $          3,216 $         2,939
   Unrestricted short-term
    investments                                     40              95
   Restricted cash, cash equivalents
    and short-term investments                     424             725
   Total assets                                 20,867          24,517
   Total debt and capital leases,
    including current maturities                 7,490           7,088
   Total liabilities                            17,843          17,140
   Total common stockholders' equity
    (deficit)                                    3,024           7,377


----------------------------------------------------------------------
THIRD QUARTER 2008 AND 2008 FULL YEAR GUIDANCE
----------------------------------------------------------------------

                                      3Q 2008 Forecast  2008 Forecast
                                      (year-over-year  (year-over-year
                                           change)         change)
                                      --------------------------------
   Scheduled service ASMs (capacity)
     Domestic (1)                      (10%) - (11%)    (9%) - (10%)
     International                        9% - 10%         6% - 7%
     Mainline (1)                     (1.5%) - (2.5%)  (2.5%) - (3.5%)
     Regional                            50% - 55%        45% - 50%
     Consolidated (2)                     2% - 3%        0.5% - 1.5%


   Passenger service operating
    expense per total ASM excluding
    fuel (1)                            1.5% - 2.5%        3% - 4%

                                      3Q 2008 Forecast  2008 Forecast
                                      ---------------- ---------------
   Average fuel cost per gallon,
    excluding fuel taxes (1) (3)           $4.06            $3.45
   Fuel gallons consumed (millions)         375             1,452

(1) Mainline statistics exclude Northwest Airlink regional carriers,
     which is consistent with how the Company reports statistics to
     the DOT.
(2) Consolidated statistics include Northwest Airlink regional
     carriers.
(3) Average fuel cost per gallon, based on the forward fuel curve as
     of July 21, 2008 excluding fuel taxes and mark-to-market
     adjustments related to fuel derivative contracts that settle in
     future periods.
*T

Northwest Airlines
Northwest Media Relations, 612-726-2331
www.nwa.com

Copyright Business Wire 2008
Comments (0)
This discussion is now closed. We welcome comments on our articles for a limited period after their publication.