Northwest Airlines said the U.S. Bankruptcy Court's judge hearing the company's motion regarding its labor agreements with the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) and the Professional Flight Attendants Association (PFAA) has issued an order extending the negotiating period through close-of-business on March 1. The three parties agreed to an additional extension during a conference with the judge. Northwest and the two unions told the judge that they have continued to make progress on negotiating new contracts. Northwest said, however, that while it appreciates the added time, gaining an agreement in a timely manner is crucial; the airline is losing up to $4 million daily. The airline has reached agreements or has a contract out for member ratification with four of its other unions.
