America West FlightFund (Discontinued Program) - 742 today at PHX

I originally posted this yesterday in the NW section, but didn't get much notice so I thought I would ask some of my fellow Phoenicians. What a sight to see yesterday at PHX!

Hi all,


As I getting ready to board an HP flight from PHX to IAH I saw a NW 742 pull out from the gate, taxi, and commence quite a beautiful takeoff roll and rotation. My question is obviously there is no scheduled 747 service to PHX from MEM, MSP, or DTW, so does anyone know why it was here today? Perhaps a stopover on it's way to Asia?

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Histrorically NW brings in larger craft to shuttle the snowbirds in and out of town in winter and spring.

"CHANGE OF SEASONS II:
Another sign of the coming influx of 'snowbirds' is when NORTHWEST AIRLINES brings in its 'heavies' (DC-10's and 747's) to transport the hordes fleeing the chill of the coming winter. Proof positive of the change of seasons was demonstrated on November 15, when 747-251B N612US arrived at Sky Harbor."

http://web.archive.org/web/20020110193905/phxskyharbor.com/enthusiast/bw_9912.html

Imagine what it was like when Damian and Christine (aka HP's 742's) flew in and out of PHX daily. :)

nwa will do this if they have two heavily booked flights, and the first cancels for any reason. they do this out of msp quite often.