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MILWAUKEE, May 3 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Northwest Airlines
(Nasdaq: NWAC) and Miller Brewing Company today announced that Northwest, the
fourth largest airline in the world and Wisconsin's largest airline, has
selected Milwaukee's own Miller Lite as its light beer selection on its
flights throughout the world.
"As Milwaukee's longest-serving airline, we are proud to offer one of the
city's best-known products, made by one of Milwaukee's most respected
companies, to our customers around the world," said Jim Cron, vice president
of domestic revenue management at Northwest Airlines during a news conference
held at the MillerTime Pub in downtown Milwaukee today. "Northwest customers
wishing to enjoy a light beer on flights throughout our global network will
have the opportunity to enjoy a taste of Milwaukee with Miller Lite."
Miller Lite will be served aboard Northwest and Northwest Airlink-operated
flights with beverage service beginning this month and phased in on all
flights over the next several weeks. Northwest and Northwest Airlink offer
beverage service on approximately 2,800 of the 3,012 flights they operate
worldwide to 247 cities in 23 countries. The airline is expected to purchase
more than 700,000 cans annually to be served aboard its fleet of 659 aircraft,
ranging in size from domestic route Saab 340s seating 30 customers, to
international service Boeing 747-400s seating 403 customers. In 2004,
Northwest and its Northwest Airlink partners, Mesaba Airlines and Pinnacle
Airlines, carried a total of more than 67 million passengers.
"All of us at Miller are very excited about Northwest's decision to offer
Miller Lite to its passengers," said Joe Jones, Miller general manager of
sales for Wisconsin and Minnesota. "As America's oldest major brewer, we're
celebrating our 150th anniversary this year. Now, adult passengers on
Northwest can join us in toasting this historic milestone."
Northwest offers complimentary beer, wine, specialty drinks, spirits,
liqueurs and soft drinks in domestic first class as well as in World Business
Class and coach class on international flights. Beer is available for sale on
most domestic coach class flights for a nominal fee.
For the first time in the last 15 years, Miller Brewing Company grew
overall market share in 2004 on the heels of its flagship brand Miller Lite,
which grew 12.5 percent, according to Beer Marketer's Insights.