Actually, I wonder how much of this is accurate.

The article says NW increasing Biz class on DC-10s from 34 to 42 seats, and that they are losing about 9 inches. The article conveniently fails to mention exact seat pitch figures.

Looking at NW Web site, the DC-10-40s (apparently pre-reconfigure) are listed at 47-48" pitch, so losing nine inches still puts you at 38-39", about right for domestic FC. As for the 757s and A320s, the Web site lists pitch at 37" and 36", respectively. These seem to be the new configurations. Yeah, a bit tight when you get to 36".