DOT would have to sign off on this for it to happen and NW would have to transfer its existing DTW-China cargo authority, which is probably unlikely. In the next China application cycle NW, however, would be free to apply for this route. (The only problem is the next cycle is open to new entries, so you can almost guarantee that NW will not get the next China frequency)

Don't be depressed, though, I have a feeling MSP-SYD is in our future.

Speaking of which, I think it is about time we have another 787 idle speculation thread.