Airline to cease transport of hazardous goods

As of November 1, the airline’s fleet of 410 passenger aircraft will no longer accept commercially tendered goods such as oil-based paints, paint thinners, insecticides and garden chemicals and lithium batteries.

The dangerous goods category also includes automobile batteries, infectious substance shipments, any compound, liquid or gas that has toxic/poisonous characteristics, flammable adhesives, industrial solvents and bleach or acids.

Northwest will continue to carry such materials when properly prepared for shipment aboard its fleet of Boeing 747 freighters.

The company will continue to permit certain hazardous materials in small quantities for personal use to be brought aboard by passengers and aircraft crew members without regulation. These items include small amounts of sporting ammunition, matches or lighters and toiletry articles.

“We are continuously reviewing our procedures for ways to improve our operations,” said Richard Anderson, Northwest executive vice president and chief operating officer. “To that end, we have concluded that we can best serve our customers by only transporting commercial hazardous goods aboard cargo aircraft.”