August 19, 2005

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NATIONAL MEDIATION BOARD

Contact: NMB Public Information Line--(202) 692-5050

Re: Northwest Airlines and AMFA Free to Exercise Self-help

Washington, D.C. -- The National Mediation Board (NMB) confirms that Northwest Airlines and the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) representing the craft and class of Mechanics and Related Employees were unable to reach a tentative agreement today, August 19, 2005.

Pursuant to the Railway Labor Act, both parties are released from status quo as of 12:01 am EDT on August 20 and are free to exercise self-help.

The NMB remains available to assist the parties at any time in reaching agreement and highly encourages the parties to move swiftly in that direction.

To add [or delete] your name or others in your organization to the NMB Email List for Press Releases, send name, organization, email address, and business telephone number to PDO@NMB.GOV.