Originally Posted by
pbarnette
I disagree with that characterization. MSP and DTW undertook expansion efforts on their own behalf, with the hope that it would result in the continued location and expansion of a NW/DL hub. It was done for the perceived benefits to the airport authorities and the communities they onstensibly operate for, not for the benefit of NW or DL.
It was clear, in the proposal and planning stages for McNamara at DTW, who was driving the bus. Was the DTW airport authority a willing accomplice in accumulating that pile of debt? You bet. But the terminal spec (size & amentities) was Northwest's.