AIRLINES

Northwest Airlines Laying Off Pilots: Fighting to stay competitive in the midst of an industry fare war, the carrier said it is laying off 110 pilots as a cost-cutting move. The pilots union said the cuts seemed justified at a time when airlines are losing millions of dollars. Pilots who have the lowest seniority with the carrier will be laid off Aug. 1 but could be brought back later, said airline spokesman Doug Miller. The airline employs about 5,600 pilots. The layoffs have nothing to do with changes in the number of Northwest flights, Miller said. “It’s not related to our level of flying, only to our pilot staffing,” he said. The decision to lay off the pilots will not affect other employees, he said.