NW
Northwest Airlines
United States
IATA
NW
November Whiskey
ICAO
NWA
Radio Callsign
NORTHWEST
Example: "NORTHWEST One Two Three" for NW123
About the "NORTHWEST" Callsign
When Northwest Airlines pilots communicate with air traffic control, they identify themselves using the radio callsign "NORTHWEST" followed by the flight number spoken in aviation pronunciation. For example, flight 456 would be "NORTHWEST Four Five Six." Radio callsigns are assigned by ICAO and are distinct from the airline's marketing name.