Hi Jose, I don't know about question # 1, but on the second one, I'll use R.E.G Davies book on Delta as a reference. He states that in June of 65 Mr Storer bought 55% of NE stock from Howard Hughes. Assumed financial responsabilities and on 10 Aug placed the $100 million order that brought the (12) 727's (6-100's/6-200's)and 21 other planes. It says here that he used the 727's (he also had CV880's and one leased 990 from AA -Jan67 to Apr68) because he wanted to use the smallest jet that could fly the route, since National was already well established on that route. It also mentions that an order was placed in 68 for Lockheed Three Holers for delivery in 72, but with merger talks with Nothwest under way, they cancelled. But since the CAB told NW that NE would have to surrender the MIA-LAX route, NW gave the CAB "the finger" (my assumption here!) and backed away. I see a picture of Mr Storer at the merger with DL dated 1 Aug 72. Hope it helps, DM