Northwest was the last major global network carrier to operate turboprop aircraft in mainline service, with its final Convair 580s providing reliable lift all the way into 1988.
North Central found great success in converting piston-engined Convair 340 and 440 frames to the faster and more-powerful jet-prop, from passenger satisfaction to maintenance cost reduction to more capable scheduling. Republic kept many frames for use in its build-up of Detroit and Minneapolis/St. Paul hub operations.
This video was created by the "Convair Retirement Committee" as a memorial to the beloved aircraft, blending contemporary local media reports and NWA footage with interviews of flight and ground crew, clips from the December 1988 send-off party, and commentary from legendary aviation journalist Craig Booen.
Running time is 36 minutes. File format is MP4; 4:3 framing; 30 fps.
A one-time download link will be emailed to you after order checkout.
Copyright and clearances are held by the "Convair Retirement Committee" with distribution authorized to the NWA History Center.