No other carrier in the world would have such an extensive international route system.

"It will fill a really big hole in its European route system."

Under the new route system, no community will lose Amtrak service.

In recent months, it has been cutting costs by reducing its work force, route system and salaries.

So in addition to expanding its route system, Northwest will have to find other advantages.

The route system was revamped on July 2, 2006, creating increased access to most parts of the city.

Deregulation has created a brutal world where only very large carriers with huge international route systems can hope to be big players.

When each route system was complete, a long-term operating lease with a private company would be negotiated.

Then the route system was expanded to include Chicago and Detroit.

Its nationwide route system serves about 2000 destinations, including dozens in California.