Despite refurbishing the DC-3 fleet in 1954, North Central was well aware by mid-decade that adding additional ‘Threes’, regardless of the price, would be insufficient to cover growing demand for both passenger seats as well as cargo lift across the network. This was a function of aircraft capacity, speed of flight, and turnaround time at the stations.
New-generation turboprops such as Fokker’s F-27 were interesting but expensive, and given North Central’s tight finances, too far of a leap to take. However, in 1958, Continental was ready to sell five used Convair 340 frames at a very reasonable price – and even after North Central installed weather radar and made other upgrades, they still came in at a half-million dollar savings per ship!
The Convair-Liners were an instant hit with the public as well as North Central’s management and staff; the pressurized cabin with generously-sized seating was far more comfortable than the DC-3, cargo capacity was even better than new F-27s could lift, self-contained stairs made boarding simple, and its frame and engines were reliable and easy to maintain.
North Central eventually acquired 23 of the model 340 and 12 of the model 440 by 1966. The robust airframe was an excellent candidate for conversion to turboprop power – but we will discuss that development on the Convair 580 gallery page…
If you use these photos, please credit the Northwest Airlines History Center – please also contact us to let us know how you’re using them and if we can be of further help!
