Northwest Orders Jets From Airbus, Boeing

Airbus Industrie and Boeing Co. split a $5-billion order for jetliners from Northwest Airlines Corp. as the carrier moved to replace its aging fleet of DC-10s. Airbus’ portion is for 24 wide-bodied A330-300s and six smaller A319s valued at more than $3 billion, based on list prices. Boeing will supply 20 single-aisle 757-300s and two 747-400s, Northwest said. Deliveries will start in 2002. The aircraft makers competed intensely for the order because Northwest has hundreds of older McDonnell Douglas planes that will need to be replaced. Although Northwest has started using more Airbus planes, the latest decision keeps its fleet balanced, an analyst said. On the New York Stock Exchange, Boeing shares fell $2.25 to $58.75, and Northwest closed up 63 cents at $28.94.