Loss Worsens for Northwest

Northwest Airlines (NWACQ Quote), one of three large U.S. carriers operating in bankruptcy, said its third-quarter loss widened as a result of its higher fuel bill and Chapter 11 expenses.

Management at the Eagan, Minn.-based airline, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection last month, said the results bolster the case for a dramatic restructuring aimed at restoring Northwest's competitiveness in an era of expensive fuel and low-cost rivals.

Northwest, the nation's fourth-biggest carrier by passenger traffic, said late Thursday it lost $475 million, or $5.45 a share in the latest quarter, vs. $46 million, or 54 cents a share, a year before. ...