EAGAN, Minn., March 17 (UPI) -- Eagan-Minn.-based Northwest Airlines plans to idle 30 planes in its 451 fleet and lay off up to 900 airplane mechanics, it was reported Thursday.
Layoff notices are expected to go out to about 130 members of the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association this month, the Minneapolis Star Tribune said.
The struggling air carrier blames a glut of cheap airline seats, high-fuel prices and low fares for the latest round of job cuts.
Like most U.S. airlines, Northwest has been in a four-year slump since the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks reduced business and vacation travel and is seeking additional wage and benefits givebacks from pilots and other unions.
Northwest is expected to remove mostly aging DC-9 jetliners from service beginning in June, the Star Tribune said. Many of the planes are more than 30 years old.
Northwest lost $878 million last year and has abandoned plans to expand domestic routes saying it would operate at 2004 levels.
