Northwest may create new small airline

NEW YORK, Sept. 30 (UPI) -- The head of bankrupt Northwest Airlines says the Eagan, Minn.-based carrier may launch a new airline using smaller planes as it restructures.

The new airline would fly aircraft seating 70 to 100 passengers, and would be similar to Delta Air Lines' Comair subsidiary, the Detroit Free Press reported Friday.

Northwest currently has two commuter carrier partners, Mesaba Airlines and Pinnacle Airlines. They would have to compete against any new small carrier.

Northwest CEO Doug Steenland briefed a creditors' meeting in New York on the company's restructuring proposals.

"Management presented its proposal without any financial justification, back-up data, operating plan or delivery plan," the Air Line Pilots Association told members this week, the Free Press said.