Northwest starts new Airbus A330-200 service between Tokyo, US West Coast
MINNEAPOLIS – Northwest Airlines recently announced the start of operations of its new Airbus A330-200, its newest aircraft type, between Tokyo and three destinations along the West Coast of the United States and four destinations in the Asia/Pacific region.
"The introduction of A330 service in these markets allows Northwest to offer travelers a new level of in-flight comfort that exceeds what’s offered by our US competitors and many of our international rivals," said Phil Haan, executive vice president of international, sales and information services.
Northwest’s long-range 243-passenger A330s are equipped with 32 new seats in World Business Class, 211 new seats in coach class, and a new entertainment system in both cabins. It also features Airbus’ enhanced aircraft interior design and according to Airbus, the quietest long-haul cabin in the air.
The start of service from the airline’s Tokyo hub is timed in conjunction with the delivery of seven new A330-200 aircraft the airline will begin receiving this summer.
The A330 is designed to provide a high level of comfort to passengers no matter what class of service they choose. Interior contours allow for a more spacious cabin with additional headroom and ample carry-on space.
State-of-the-art in-flight entertainment
Northwest’s fully interactive inflight entertainment system offers a wide variety of music, movies, short subject programs, games, shopping and inflight information, all "on demand," giving customers the freedom and flexibility to start, pause or stop at any time. The gateway to all of these features is a convenient retractable controller, making it easy to access from any sitting position, as opposed to stationary controllers fixed on armrests.
In World Business Class, Northwest customers are able to view any of these features on a 10.4 inch/26.4 centimeter video screen, 50 percent larger in size than the screens found in business class seats on other US airlines, and many international airlines. Northwest customers traveling in coach class are able to view any of these features on a personal video screen in the back of the seat in front of them. The screen pivots, allowing customers to adjust it and continue viewing if the seat in front of them is reclined.
