Statement from Northwest Airlines Mechanics Union MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 16, 2003--The following statement was issued today by Jim Atkinson, president of Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) Local 33, in response to Northwest Airlines' (Nasdaq:NWAC) earnings report for the third quarter ended September 30, 2003: When a company reports a $42 million profit for the quarter, as Northwest did today, their cries of poverty become irrational. They say the profit isn't meaningful because demand is always greater in summer months, but Northwest lost $46 million in the same period last year. That's an $88 million positive swing in 12 months. The airline industry is cyclical. Both the overall economy and the airline industry are coming out of a down cycle that was exacerbated by the tragic events of September 11. We're pleased that Northwest's finances have improved and hope this will result in rehiring some of our laid-off members. We expect Northwest to honor our current contract. Roger EWROPS