April 11, 2001

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NATIONAL MEDIATION BOARD

Re: Northwest Airlines and Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association

The National Mediation Board (NMB) announced that on April 10, 2001, the White House granted an extension until May 14, 2001, for the Report to the President by Emergency Board No. 235. The Report was originally to be provided to the President on April 11, 2001.

The Emergency Board was created by President Bush to investigate and report findings and recommendations in the disputes between Northwest Airlines, Inc. and the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association. The extension was requested by Helen M. Witt, Chairman of the Emergency Board. Northwest and AMFA agreed to the request.

Northwest and AMFA have reached a tentative agreement. The Emergency Board requested the additional time to enable the Northwest employees represented by AMFA to vote on ratification of the agreement. If the agreement is not ratified, the Emergency Board expects to issue its Report on May 14. If the Report is issued, under the Railway Labor Act, no self-help would be available until June 13, 2001.

AMFA represents more than 10,000 mechanics and related employees at Northwest. The carrier serves more than 42 international destinations and 113 domestic destinations and its route network extends to more than 500 cities in 100 countries.

NMB Case A-13070