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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 17, 2002  </B></FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2><B> Registration No. 333-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </B></FONT></P>

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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=5><B>SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION<BR>  </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549  </B></FONT></P>

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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=5><B>Form S-8<BR>  </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>REGISTRATION STATEMENT<BR>
UNDER<BR>
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933  </B></FONT></P>

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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=5><B>NORTHWEST AIRLINES CORPORATION<BR>  </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter) </FONT></P>

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<TD WIDTH="50%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><B>Delaware</B></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="50%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><B>95-4205287</B></FONT></TD>
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<TD WIDTH="50%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2>(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="50%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2>(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)</FONT></TD>
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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>2700 Lone Oak Parkway<BR>
Eagan, Minnesota 55121<BR>  </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>(Address of Principal Executive Offices) </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=5><B>Northwest Airlines Corporation<BR>
1999 Stock Incentive Plan<BR>  </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>(Full Title of the Plan) </FONT></P>

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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>Michael L. Miller<BR>
Vice President-Law and Secretary<BR>
Northwest Airlines Corporation<BR>
2700 Lone Oak Parkway<BR>
Eagan, Minnesota 55121<BR>
(612) 726-7135<BR>  </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>(Name and Address of Agent For Service)<BR>
(Telephone Number, Including Area Code, of Agent For Service) </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><I>Copies to:  </I></FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>Wilson S. Neely, Esq.<BR>
Simpson Thacher &amp; Bartlett<BR>
425 Lexington Avenue<BR>
New York, New York 10017-3954<BR>
(212) 455-2000  </B></FONT></P>

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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B> CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE  </B></FONT></P>

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<TD WIDTH="36%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Title Of Securities To Be&nbsp;Registered</B></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Amount To Be Registered</B></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Proposed Maximum Offering Price Per&nbsp;Share(a)</B></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="16%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Proposed Maximum Aggregate Offering&nbsp;Price(a)</B></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Amount Of Registration Fee(a)</B></FONT></TD>
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<TD WIDTH="36%"><FONT SIZE=2><B>Common Stock, $.01 par value per share(b)</B></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>6,000,000</B></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>$13.55</B></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="16%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>$81,300,000</B></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>$7,479.60</B></FONT></TD>
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<DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(a)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>Pursuant
to Rule 457(h) under the Securities Act of 1933, the proposed maximum offering price per share, the proposed maximum aggregate offering price and the amount of registration
fee have been computed on the basis of the average of the high and low prices per share of Common Stock as reported on the Nasdaq National Market on June 14, 2002.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(b)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>Includes
Preferred Share Purchase Rights, which prior to the occurrence of certain events will not be exercisable or evidenced separately from the Common Stock. </FONT></DD></DL>
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<P><FONT SIZE=2>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pursuant to General Instruction E for registration statements on Form&nbsp;S-8, the contents of the Registration Statement on Form&nbsp;S-8 of Northwest
Airlines Corporation, a Delaware corporation, relating to the Northwest Airlines Corporation 1999 Stock Incentive Plan (the "Plan"), file number 333-75933, filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission on April&nbsp;8, 1999, are incorporated herein by reference. </FONT></P>

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NAME="de2071_part_i_information_requ__de202247"> </A>
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<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>PART I<BR>  INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE SECTION 10(a) PROSPECTUS    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><B>Item 1. </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><I>Plan Information*  </I></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><B>Item 2. </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><I>Registrant Information and Employee Plan Annual Information*  </I></FONT></P>

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<DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>*</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>Information
required by Part&nbsp;I to be contained in the Section&nbsp;10(a) prospectus is omitted from the Registration Statement in accordance with Rule&nbsp;428 under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Note to Part&nbsp;I of Form&nbsp;S-8. </FONT></DD></DL>
<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="de2071_part_ii_information_req__de202310"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_de2071_2"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>PART II<BR>  INFORMATION REQUIRED IN REGISTRATION STATEMENT    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><B>Item 3. </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><I>Incorporation of Documents by Reference  </I></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Not required to be filed with this Registration Statement pursuant to General Instruction E for registration statements on Form&nbsp;S-8. </FONT></P>


<P><FONT SIZE=2><B>Item 4. </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><I>Description of Securities  </I></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Not required to be filed with this Registration Statement pursuant to General Instruction E for registration statements on Form&nbsp;S-8. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><B>Item 5. </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><I>Interests of Named Experts and Counsel  </I></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Not required to be filed with this Registration Statement pursuant to General Instruction E for registration statements on Form&nbsp;S-8. </FONT></P>


<P><FONT SIZE=2><B>Item 6. </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><I>Indemnification of Directors and Officers  </I></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Not required to be filed with this Registration Statement pursuant to General Instruction E for registration statements on Form&nbsp;S-8. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><B>Item 7. </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><I>Exemption from Registration Claimed  </I></FONT></P>


<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Not applicable. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><B>Item 8. </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><I>Exhibits  </I></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The
following exhibits are filed as part of this Registration Statement: </FONT></P>

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<TH WIDTH="12%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Exhibit<BR>
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<TH WIDTH="85%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Description</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
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<TD WIDTH="12%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2>23.1</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="85%"><FONT SIZE=2>Consent of Ernst &amp; Young LLP</FONT></TD>
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<TD WIDTH="12%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2>24.1</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="85%"><FONT SIZE=2>Power of Attorney (included in Part II of this Registration Statement)</FONT></TD>
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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>1</FONT></P>

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<P><FONT SIZE=2><B>Item 9. </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>Undertakings </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Not
required to be filed with this Registration Statement pursuant to General Instruction E for registration statements on Form&nbsp;S-8. </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>2</FONT></P>

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<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>SIGNATURES    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the
requirements for filing on Form&nbsp;S-8 and has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Eagan,
State of Minnesota, on this 17<SUP>th</SUP> day of June, 2002. </FONT></P>

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<TD COLSPAN=3><FONT SIZE=2><B>NORTHWEST AIRLINES CORPORATION</B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(Registrant)</FONT></TD>
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&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
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By</FONT></TD>
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/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>DOUGLAS M. STEENLAND</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Douglas M. Steenland<BR>
President</FONT></TD>
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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="dg2071_power_of_attorney"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_dg2071_2"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>POWER OF ATTORNEY    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each individual whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Douglas M. Steenland and Mickey P. Foret and each of
them individually, his true and lawful agent, proxy and attorney-in-fact, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any
and all capacities, to (i)&nbsp;act on, sign and file with the Securities and Exchange Commission any and all amendments (including posteffective amendments) to this Registration Statement together
with all schedules and exhibits thereto, (ii)&nbsp;act on, sign and file with the Securities and Exchange Commission any registration statement relating to this offering that is to be effective upon
filing pursuant to Rule&nbsp;462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, (iii)&nbsp;act on, sign and file with the Securities and Exchange Commission any exhibits to this Registration
Statement or any such registration statement or amendments (including post-effective amendments), (iv)&nbsp;act on, sign and file such certificates, instruments, agreements and other
documents as may be necessary or appropriate in connection therewith, (v)&nbsp;act on and file any supplement to any prospectus included in this Registration Statement or any such registration
statement or amendment and (vi)&nbsp;take any and all actions which may be necessary, or appropriate in connection therewith, granting unto such
agents, proxies and attorneys-in-fact, and each of them individually, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing necessary or appropriate to be
done, as fully for all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby approving, ratifying and confirming all that such agents, proxies and attorneys-in-fact,
any of them or any of his or their substitute or substitutes may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>3</FONT></P>

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<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pursuant
to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the date indicated. </FONT></P>

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<TH WIDTH="33%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Title</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
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<TH WIDTH="18%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Date</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
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/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>RICHARD H. ANDERSON</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Richard H. Anderson</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="33%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Chief Executive Officer and Director (principal executive officer)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="18%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
June 17, 2002</FONT></TD>
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<TD WIDTH="45%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>MICKEY P. FORET</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Mickey P. Foret</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="33%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (principal financial officer)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="18%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
June 17, 2002</FONT></TD>
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<TD WIDTH="45%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>JAMES G. MATHEWS</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> James G. Mathews</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="33%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Vice President-Accounting &amp; Tax and Chief Accounting Officer (principal accounting officer)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="18%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
June 17, 2002</FONT></TD>
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<TD WIDTH="45%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>GARY L. WILSON</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Gary L. Wilson</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="33%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Chairman of the Board of Directors</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="18%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
June 17, 2002</FONT></TD>
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<TD WIDTH="45%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Ray W. Benning, Jr.</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="33%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Director</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="18%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
June 17, 2002</FONT></TD>
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<TD WIDTH="45%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>RICHARD C. BLUM</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Richard C. Blum</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="33%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Director</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="18%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
June 17, 2002</FONT></TD>
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<TD WIDTH="45%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>ALFRED A. CHECCHI</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Alfred A. Checchi</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="33%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Director</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="18%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
June 17, 2002</FONT></TD>
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<TD WIDTH="45%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Robert L. Friedman</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="33%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Director</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="18%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
June 17, 2002</FONT></TD>
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<TD WIDTH="45%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>DORIS KEARNS GOODWIN</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Doris Kearns Goodwin</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="33%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Director</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="18%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
June 17, 2002</FONT></TD>
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<TD WIDTH="45%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>DENNIS F. HIGHTOWER</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Dennis F. Hightower</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="33%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Director</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="18%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
June 17, 2002</FONT></TD>
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<TD WIDTH="45%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP"><BR><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="33%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="18%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>4</FONT></P>

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/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>GEORGE J. KOURPIAS</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> George J. Kourpias</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="33%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Director</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="18%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
June 17, 2002</FONT></TD>
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<TD WIDTH="45%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>FREDERIC V. MALEK</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Frederic V. Malek</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="33%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Director</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="18%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
June 17, 2002</FONT></TD>
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<TD WIDTH="45%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>WALTER F. MONDALE</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Walter F. Mondale</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="33%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Director</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="18%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
June 17, 2002</FONT></TD>
</TR>
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<TD WIDTH="45%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>V.A. RAVINDRAN</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> V.A. Ravindran</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="33%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Director</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="18%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
June 17, 2002</FONT></TD>
</TR>
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<TD WIDTH="45%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>MICHAEL G. RISTOW</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Michael G. Ristow</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="33%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Director</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="18%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
June 17, 2002</FONT></TD>
</TR>
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<TD WIDTH="45%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>DOUGLAS M. STEENLAND</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Douglas M. Steenland</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="33%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Director</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="18%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
June 17, 2002</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="45%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>LEO M. VAN WIJK</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Leo M. van Wijk</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="33%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Director</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="18%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
June 17, 2002</FONT></TD>
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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>5</FONT></P>

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<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>INDEX TO EXHIBITS    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>

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<TH WIDTH="9%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Exhibit<BR>
Number</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
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<TH WIDTH="69%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Description</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
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Numbered Page</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
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<TD WIDTH="9%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2>23.1</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="69%"><FONT SIZE=2>Consent of Ernst &amp; Young LLP</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="17%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
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<TD WIDTH="9%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2>24.1</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="69%"><FONT SIZE=2>Power of Attorney (included in Part II of this Registration Statement)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="17%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>6</FONT></P>

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<BR>
<P><br><A NAME="02STP2071_1">QuickLinks</A><br></P><!-- TOC_BEGIN -->
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_de2071_1">PART I INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE SECTION 10(a) PROSPECTUS</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_de2071_2">PART II INFORMATION REQUIRED IN REGISTRATION STATEMENT</A></FONT><BR>
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<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_dg2071_1">SIGNATURES</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_dg2071_2">POWER OF ATTORNEY</A></FONT><BR>
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<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_ka2071_1">INDEX TO EXHIBITS</A></FONT><BR>
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QuickLinks
-- Click here to rapidly navigate through this document
As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 17, 2002
Registration No. 333-
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
Form S-8
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
NORTHWEST AIRLINES CORPORATION
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
Delaware
95-4205287
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)
2700 Lone Oak Parkway
Eagan, Minnesota 55121
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
Northwest Airlines Corporation
1999 Stock Incentive Plan
(Full Title of the Plan)
Michael L. Miller
Vice President-Law and Secretary
Northwest Airlines Corporation
2700 Lone Oak Parkway
Eagan, Minnesota 55121
(612) 726-7135
(Name and Address of Agent For Service)
(Telephone Number, Including Area Code, of Agent For Service)
Copies to:
Wilson S. Neely, Esq.
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett
425 Lexington Avenue
New York, New York 10017-3954
(212) 455-2000
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
Title Of Securities To Be Registered
Amount To Be Registered
Proposed Maximum Offering Price Per Share(a)
Proposed Maximum Aggregate Offering Price(a)
Amount Of Registration Fee(a)
Common Stock, $.01 par value per share(b)
6,000,000
$13.55
$81,300,000
$7,479.60
(a)
Pursuant
to Rule 457(h) under the Securities Act of 1933, the proposed maximum offering price per share, the proposed maximum aggregate offering price and the amount of registration
fee have been computed on the basis of the average of the high and low prices per share of Common Stock as reported on the Nasdaq National Market on June 14, 2002.
(b)
Includes
Preferred Share Purchase Rights, which prior to the occurrence of certain events will not be exercisable or evidenced separately from the Common Stock.
Pursuant to General Instruction E for registration statements on Form S-8, the contents of the Registration Statement on Form S-8 of Northwest
Airlines Corporation, a Delaware corporation, relating to the Northwest Airlines Corporation 1999 Stock Incentive Plan (the "Plan"), file number 333-75933, filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission on April 8, 1999, are incorporated herein by reference.
PART I
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE SECTION 10(a) PROSPECTUS
Item 1.
Plan Information*
Item 2.
Registrant Information and Employee Plan Annual Information*
*
Information
required by Part I to be contained in the Section 10(a) prospectus is omitted from the Registration Statement in accordance with Rule 428 under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Note to Part I of Form S-8.
PART II
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN REGISTRATION STATEMENT
Item 3.
Incorporation of Documents by Reference
Not required to be filed with this Registration Statement pursuant to General Instruction E for registration statements on Form S-8.
Item 4.
Description of Securities
Not required to be filed with this Registration Statement pursuant to General Instruction E for registration statements on Form S-8.
Item 5.
Interests of Named Experts and Counsel
Not required to be filed with this Registration Statement pursuant to General Instruction E for registration statements on Form S-8.
Item 6.
Indemnification of Directors and Officers
Not required to be filed with this Registration Statement pursuant to General Instruction E for registration statements on Form S-8.
Item 7.
Exemption from Registration Claimed
Not applicable.
Item 8.
Exhibits
The
following exhibits are filed as part of this Registration Statement:
Exhibit
Number
Description
23.1
Consent of Ernst & Young LLP
24.1
Power of Attorney (included in Part II of this Registration Statement)
1
Item 9.
Undertakings
Not
required to be filed with this Registration Statement pursuant to General Instruction E for registration statements on Form S-8.
2
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the
requirements for filing on Form S-8 and has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Eagan,
State of Minnesota, on this 17
th
day of June, 2002.
NORTHWEST AIRLINES CORPORATION
(Registrant)
By
/s/
DOUGLAS M. STEENLAND
Douglas M. Steenland
President
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each individual whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Douglas M. Steenland and Mickey P. Foret and each of
them individually, his true and lawful agent, proxy and attorney-in-fact, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any
and all capacities, to (i) act on, sign and file with the Securities and Exchange Commission any and all amendments (including posteffective amendments) to this Registration Statement together
with all schedules and exhibits thereto, (ii) act on, sign and file with the Securities and Exchange Commission any registration statement relating to this offering that is to be effective upon
filing pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, (iii) act on, sign and file with the Securities and Exchange Commission any exhibits to this Registration
Statement or any such registration statement or amendments (including post-effective amendments), (iv) act on, sign and file such certificates, instruments, agreements and other
documents as may be necessary or appropriate in connection therewith, (v) act on and file any supplement to any prospectus included in this Registration Statement or any such registration
statement or amendment and (vi) take any and all actions which may be necessary, or appropriate in connection therewith, granting unto such
agents, proxies and attorneys-in-fact, and each of them individually, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing necessary or appropriate to be
done, as fully for all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby approving, ratifying and confirming all that such agents, proxies and attorneys-in-fact,
any of them or any of his or their substitute or substitutes may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
3
Pursuant
to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the date indicated.
Signature
Title
Date
/s/
RICHARD H. ANDERSON
Richard H. Anderson
Chief Executive Officer and Director (principal executive officer)
June 17, 2002
/s/
MICKEY P. FORET
Mickey P. Foret
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (principal financial officer)
June 17, 2002
/s/
JAMES G. MATHEWS
James G. Mathews
Vice President-Accounting & Tax and Chief Accounting Officer (principal accounting officer)
June 17, 2002
/s/
GARY L. WILSON
Gary L. Wilson
Chairman of the Board of Directors
June 17, 2002
Ray W. Benning, Jr.
Director
June 17, 2002
/s/
RICHARD C. BLUM
Richard C. Blum
Director
June 17, 2002
/s/
ALFRED A. CHECCHI
Alfred A. Checchi
Director
June 17, 2002
Robert L. Friedman
Director
June 17, 2002
/s/
DORIS KEARNS GOODWIN
Doris Kearns Goodwin
Director
June 17, 2002
/s/
DENNIS F. HIGHTOWER
Dennis F. Hightower
Director
June 17, 2002
4
/s/
GEORGE J. KOURPIAS
George J. Kourpias
Director
June 17, 2002
/s/
FREDERIC V. MALEK
Frederic V. Malek
Director
June 17, 2002
/s/
WALTER F. MONDALE
Walter F. Mondale
Director
June 17, 2002
/s/
V.A. RAVINDRAN
V.A. Ravindran
Director
June 17, 2002
/s/
MICHAEL G. RISTOW
Michael G. Ristow
Director
June 17, 2002
/s/
DOUGLAS M. STEENLAND
Douglas M. Steenland
Director
June 17, 2002
/s/
LEO M. VAN WIJK
Leo M. van Wijk
Director
June 17, 2002
5
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
Exhibit
Number
Description
Sequentially
Numbered Page
23.1
Consent of Ernst & Young LLP
24.1
Power of Attorney (included in Part II of this Registration Statement)
6
QuickLinks
PART I INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE SECTION 10(a) PROSPECTUS
PART II INFORMATION REQUIRED IN REGISTRATION STATEMENT
SIGNATURES
POWER OF ATTORNEY
INDEX TO EXHIBITS