NORTHWEST AIRLINES RETIRED CHIEF NYROP DIES

Donald W Nyrop, former leader of Northwest Airlines, has died aged 98. Nyrop is best known for transforming Northwest from a beleaguered airline into one of the most successful in the industry. His tight rein on expenses helped Northwest’s profits to rise steadily during his tenure in the years from 1954 to 1978. As rivals’ performance fluctuated, Northwest accrued large profits and by the time Nyrop retired in 1978, the company was almost debt free. Before he took over Northwest, Nyrop had a career in Washington as a lawyer and federal airline regulator. One of his most famour statements was