The Wall Street Journal has called Robert L. Crandall, former Chairman and CEO of AMR Corporation and American Airlines, “the man who changed the way the world flies.” During his 25-year tenure at American Airlines, Crandall led the Company to making various innovations, which revolutionized the travel industry.
In 1973, Crandall headed a project to modernize American’s SABRE computer reservations system, thus laying the groundwork for what eventually became The SABRE Group, now a leading provider of computing and communications services for airlines throughout the world. In 1975, Crandall created Super Saver fares, which introduced the concept of deep discounts for advance-purchase tickets. Subsequently, he led the development of the industry’s first yield management system, a revenue-maximizing approach now used throughout the airline industry. In 1980, he created AAdvantage, the industry’s first frequent flyer program, and in 1983, launched an expansion program which more than tripled American’s size and transformed it from a medium-sized domestic carrier to one of the world’s leading international airlines with revenues of more than $20 billion.
Mr. Crandall currently serves on the Board of Directors of AirCell, Inc., Anixter International, Inc., Celestica, Inc, and the Halliburton Company. He serves on the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Management Advisory Council (MAC) and also serves as Chairman and Chief Executive of Pogo, an early stage start-up developing the first branded charter company.
Among the many national and trade publications that have honored Mr. Crandall for his achievements and executive leadership are Business Week, Fortune, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Industry Week, Aviation Week & Space Technology, Financial World, and Air Transport World. In April 1997, Mr. Crandall received the Horatio Alger Award, which honors individuals who have achieved success despite challenging life circumstances, and in 2004, he was awarded the Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy for his significant contribution to commercial aviation.
A native of Westerly, Rhode Island, he is a 1957 graduate of the University of Rhode Island and received a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School in 1960.
Mr. Crandall and his wife, Jan, have three adult children and seven grandchildren.