The jet revolution was of keen interest to NWA as it had the potential to slash transit time across the Pacific while improving comfort and reliability. Douglas’ quad jet had better range than the early 707s, so it was the natural choice to order. Disputes with pilots and flight engineers delayed the -8’s entry into service to October 1960. Five aircraft would serve in the fleet until the long-range Boeing 707-320 took over.
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!
Douglas concept art for the Northwest sales pitch, 1959. From the James Borden collection.Early fuselage on the production line at Douglas’ Long Beach factory. From the James Borden collection.N801US at Long Beach prior to delivery. Douglas photo via the James Borden collection.N801US and N802US still used the high-cheatline livery as seen on DC7s and Electras. From the James Borden Photography Collection.N801US pre-delivery inflight photo by Douglas. From the James Borden collection.1960 promotional postcard issued by NWA, featuring N801US. D. Scott Norris collection.N802US in the MSP shops, 1960. Note the various propellers in the foreground, as well as the Hamilton Metalplane fuselage at right! Photo by Jack Lysdale, via the James Borden Photography Collection.1960 shot of N802US on the ramp at Minneapolis-St. Paul before construction on the new terminal began. Photo by Dick Phillips, NWAHC collection.The window-level cheatline would become the standard from the third delivery on, as the NORTHWEST title was more readable on a white background. From the James Borden Photography Collection.N803US in profile at Minneapolis-St. Paul in this 1961 photo by Logan Coombs, via the James Borden collection.N804US during an inflight publicity photo shoot near the Cascade Peninsula, Sept. 1960, coordinated by the Robert Blanch agency. From the James Borden Photography Collection.1960s shot of N802US on the ramp at Minneapolis-St. Paul before construction on the new terminal began. What is now the MN Air National Guard ramp can be seen in the background. Photo by Dick Phillips, NWAHC collection.N804US during an inflight publicity photo shoot near the Cascade Peninsula, Sept. 1960, coordinated by the Robert Blanch agency. From the James Borden Photography Collection.N804US during an inflight publicity photo shoot near the Cascade Peninsula, Sept. 1960, coordinated by the Robert Blanch agency. From the James Borden Photography Collection.N804US during an inflight publicity photo shoot near the Cascade Peninsula, Sept. 1960, coordinated by the Robert Blanch agency. From the James Borden Photography Collection.N803US is featured on this company postcard from 1960.N805US taxiing at MSP in 1961, in this photo by Logan Coombs, via the James Borden collection.N805US taxiing at MSP in 1961, in this photo by Logan Coombs, via the James Borden collection.
