Non-Stop: Northwest Airlines' Turbulent History

From its inception in 1926, when it started with mail delivery and occasional solo passenger trips to Chicago, Northwest Airlines rose to prominence in the realms of technology and business innovation. However, as the years passed, it also faced challenges in the form of employee conflicts, dissatisfied customers, and financial troubles which eventually led to its acquisition by Delta in 2010.

Non-Stop: A Turbulent History of Northwest Airlines delves into the company's journey, highlighting both its notable achievements and setbacks. The book not only provides a broad overview of the airline industry in the twentieth century but also delves into the personal stories of key figures who played a significant role in shaping Northwest Airlines. From founder Lewis Brittin to trailblazing female executive "Rosie" Stein, and the CEOs who guided the company through its glory days and eventual decline, the book offers a comprehensive look at the airline's evolution.

Readers will get a firsthand glimpse into the experiences of pilots navigating damaged aircraft, pioneering stewardesses defining a new profession, and passengers reveling in the luxury of Northwest's Stratocruisers. Jack El-Hai expertly traces Northwest's humble beginnings, its peak as a trailblazer in the industry, and its eventual downfall into what both passengers and employees dubbed "Northworst".

Non-Stop also covers significant moments in Northwest's history, such as its contributions during World War II and the Korean War, along with infamous events like D.B. Cooper's daring mid-air escape in 1971 and a terrorist incident during the airline's final year. Through discussions on topics ranging from in-flight dining and advertising to smoking policies and labor disputes, the narrative of Northwest Airlines reflects the profound societal and cultural shifts that defined the twentieth century.

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