Oberstar optimistic about Duluth aircraft base reopening by The Daily Briefing Appearing in Business North on 2007-06-19. Washington DC - Congressman Jim Oberstar is excited to learn that progress is being made towards reopening the Northwest Airlines maintenance base in Duluth. Today, the Duluth Economic Development Authority (DEDA) announced that it is entering into negotiations with Petters Aviation for the right to lease the facility. "This is an excellent sign that Duluth will find a new tenant and bring good jobs back to the city," said Oberstar. "It's a world- class facility and the city owns it outright, without any debt. I am going to do all I can to help DEDA find a tenant for the facility." Petters Aviation has identified a market for customizing jets for personal and corporate use, and the former Northwest Airlines maintenance base in Duluth would be an ideal location for such an operation. "It's still early in the process," said Oberstar. "We will have to see if DEDA and Petters can negotiate a deal that works for both parties. This positive development demonstrates that this maintenance base is a viable facility that will attract a new tenant." The Northwest maintenance base was closed after the airline was unable to resolve a labor dispute with its mechanics union and later filed for bankruptcy. DEDA became the owner of the facility after the bankruptcy proceedings had concluded.

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