SEPTEMBER 6, 1998

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NATIONAL MEDIATION BOARD

RE: NORTHWEST AIRLINES

The National Mediation Board has recessed today's talks between Northwest Airlines and the Air Line Pilots Association and will resume meetings on Tuesday September 8, 1998 in Minneapolis, MN.

The exploratory talks held on September 5th and 6th involved possible parameters of a settlement.

Given the differences that now exist between the parties on substance, the National Mediation Board has asked the parties to reconsider their respective positions and alternatives.

Furthermore, pending such discussions, the NMB has requested both parties to continue the news blackout agreed to on Saturday, September 5th.

National Mediation Board Chairwoman, Maggie Jacobsen, urged both parties to redouble their efforts to reach a settlement and bring an end to the strike at Northwest Airlines.