Robert Crandall was the former CEO and chairman of American Airlines from 1985 to 1998. He had a career in the airline industry spanning over 40 years, holding various executive positions at American Airlines and TWA. As CEO of American Airlines, Crandall was known as one of the toughest in the industry, focusing relentlessly on shareholder returns through innovations like yield management and supersaver airfares. He helped save the company millions and grow it to serve over 150 destinations globally.

1. Robert Crandall
Former CEO of American Airlines

2. Basic History
• Born on December 6, 1935 in Westerly, Rhode Island
• Son of Lloyd E. Crandall, an insurance salesman and Virginia
Crandall, a homemaker. Married Margaret Jan Schmults and
had three kids.

3. Education
• Attended William and Mary College from 1953
to 1955.
• Attended the University of Rhode Island in
1957.
• Attended the University of Pennsylvania in
1960.

4. Prior Work
Credit supervisor for Eastman Kodak from 1960 to 1962.
Computer programming division supervisor for Hallmark Cards
from 1962 to 1966.
Assistant treasurer for Trans World Airlines from 1966 to 1970.
Senior vice president and treasurer for Bloomingdale’s in 1973.
Senior vice president of finance for American Airlines from 1973
to 1974. Senior vice president of marketing for American
Airlines from 1974 to 1976.
President and chief operating officer for American Airlines from
1980 to 1985.

5. Prior Work continued
• From 1985 to 1998, Crandall was the
president, chief executive officer, and
chairman of the board for the AMR
Corporation.

6. Company Information
• American Airlines was founded in 1934.
• In 2008, the airline gave services to about 150
destinations in North America, the Caribbean,
Latin America, Europe, and Asia.
• AMR Eagle and American Connection carriers
have service connected from 8 of America’s
congested cities to smaller markets in the US,
Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean.

7. Company Information cont.
• American Airlines is a founding member of the
One World Alliance,.
• It allows member airlines to give customers
more service and benefits than what an
individual airline could provide.
• American Airlines is 1 of the largest air
freighters in the world with a long range of
freight and mail services throughout its
system in its passenger fleet.

8. Crandall’s Position
• Was the toughest CEO in the airline industry.
• He had a reputation for relentlessly going
after the best return for shareholders of AA
and AMR Corporation.
• Was known to fire friends as quickly as foes as
he saw it best for the company.
• Was responsible for new innovations that
make air travel easier and faster.

9. Crandall’s Position cont.
• Saved American Airlines millions of dollars
when he came up with the first yield
management system. Came up with
supersaver airfares.
• He is currently a spokesman for the airline
industry and a member of the Federal Aviation
Administration Management Advisory Council.

10. Works Cited
• http://www.referenceforbusiness.com/biography/A-E/Crandall-Robert-1935.html
• http://www.aa.com/i18n/amrcorp/newsroom/american-airlines-inc.jsp
• http://transportation.nationaljournal.com/contributers/robert-1-crandall.php