Originally Posted by
formeraa
I beg to differ somewhat. While NW did run a spartan organization, there were many good people who worked for NW and service was often good as well. Also, NW did have a decent reputation in Asia where it dominated.
Nobody told DL to keep NW's older planes. And NW did refurbish the fleet interiors...
Well the 320 OP mentioned had new carpet, blue leather seat covering and other minor cosmetic improvements in the 2010-2011 timeframe. DL is just now refurbishing the Airbus 319/320 fleet. Point is this was NWs Flagship, and by their own words "modern" narrowbody.
Recall in March 2009 when initial cross fleeting LGA-Florida took place the complaining was pretty vocal and widespread.
NW didn't anywhere near "dominate" Asia. They were the cheap and inferior option for Japan, that's it. They flew their large 747s and DC-10s with low yield trash over DTW/MSP and NRT. UA looked like polished and luxurious up against NW...