Hey Doob-ster,

Many thanks for the updated information. I had heard that the A330 delivery slots had been juggled, but did not have the particulars. Your input answered my questions. Mucho Gracias!!

It would appear that NW does not have enough A333s to handle all of their European Flying. The European Flights by my count:

1 x DTW-FCO (Seasonal)
1 x DTW-FRA
1 x DTW-CDG
1 x DTW-LGW
4 x DTW-AMS
1 x MEM-AMS
1 x BOS-AMS
1 x SEA-AMS
1 x BOM-AMS
2 x MSP-AMS
1 x MSP-LGW

This comes to 15 Flights, and only 14 A333s.

If European flying picks back up, or the entry into SKY-TEAM increasses European Traffic, or the DC-10s make an earlier than planned exit from the fleet, I guess we could see a follow-on A330 Order sooner rather than later.

I am wondering if NW will be using A332s for SEA-AMS (which is actually further than SEA-NRT) and perhaps MEM-AMS? The NW Web-Site claims the A333 has a 5300 miles range (Airbus claims 5600). Airbus claims an additional 1000 miles for the 332.

I am curious what the range really is for a full Pax, Baggage and Cargo Load. I know weather and traffic patterns play a role, but NW should have figured out just how long of Legs that the A333 (and the 332 for that matter) really has for their typical Mission by now.

Also, I think we can safely say the 333 Aircraft will be based at Detroit. What about the 332s, which will do most, if not all, of their flying from the Left Coast to NRT and beyond to other destinations in the Orient? Will these Planes be based in a West Coast Location? Will the same Crew (Pilots and F/As) fly both the A332 and A333? I am aware that there is a common type rating for these Planes. Is the pilot pay-scale the same for both fleet types?

Lastly, both the A332 and A333 Schedule has a built in "Spare" Aircraft. Is this normal, or just a precaution until the "Teething Pains" are over during the "breaking in" Time Period with the New Aircraft Type? Sounds pretty expensive. Might this have something to do with training and certifying crews for this new type of Aircraft for NW? What percentage of Spares are typically available for a Mature Fleet Type?

Lots of Operational type Questions here. Many thanks in advance to anyone who takes the time to answer these.

Thanks again Doob-ster!!