Northwest Airlines tonight filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The following is
the text of an e-mail message sent to members of the airline’s frequent flyer
program:
Dear _________,
Your WorldPerks number is ________.
As you may already
have heard in media reports, Northwest
Airlines(R) has voluntarily filed for bankruptcy protection under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. The bankruptcy process will enable Northwest to continue its transformation into a new-era carrier in keeping with the permanent changes that have affected the airline industry, such as rising labor costs and a doubling of fuel prices over the past two years.
Because we value your business and
proven loyalty, I am writing
to assure you that there will be no impact on
the WorldPerks(R)
program as a result of the filing. Frequent flyer mileage
accrual, redemption, and Elite benefits will remain unchanged.
Members
will continue to earn and redeem miles according to the
current WorldPerks
program guidelines.
The bankruptcy filing will not impact Northwest’s
day-to-day
business operations. We remain committed to serving customers,
honoring tickets, flying a competitive schedule safely and
reliably,
maintaining our WorldClubs(R) lounge program, and all
other programs and
services.
All bookings will be honored, and ticketing policies remain
unchanged. Our existing marketing relationships with other
airlines
remain in place.
The decision to file for bankruptcy protection is not
related to
the current strike by members of the Aircraft Mechanics
Fraternal Association (AMFA). Our operation continues to run
well and we
have experienced no adverse impact on our
operational performance as a
result of the work stoppage.
Customers can continue to book travel on
Northwest Airlines with
confidence. Although bankruptcy is never a first
choice option,
it does provide the most prudent means for a restructuring
that
will ensure the transformation of Northwest into a new-era
carrier
that is able to compete in the near term and well into
the future.
Thank you for your continued support of Northwest Airlines. For
more
information about Northwest’s transformation, please visit
nwa.com(R).
We look forward to continuing to earn your business by providing
the
outstanding service you deserve.
Sincerely,
Doug
Steenland
President and CEO
Northwest Airlines, Inc.
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