NORWALK, Conn., Jan. 31, 2011 — Southern Air Holdings, Inc. today announced that Robert L. Crandall, former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of AMR Corporation and American Airlines, has been appointed to the company’s Board of Directors.
“Southern Air is one of the most experienced and fastest growing air cargo carriers in the world,” said Mr. Crandall. “The company has an exceptional record of performance and great potential in its markets. I look forward to working closely with CEO Dan McHugh, his management team and the Board to support Southern Air’s continued expansion and long-term success.”
“Bob is renowned in the industry and his decision to join our Board is an important endorsement of what we are accomplishing at Southern Air,” said Daniel J. McHugh, Chief Executive Officer of Southern Air. “His deep knowledge of the aviation industry and proven track record of leadership will be invaluable as we seek to position the company to be the world’s leading ACMI operator by continuing to expand our customer offerings while maintaining the highest standards of safety, reliability and customer service.”
“We are very excited to have Bob join the Southern Air team,” said Rowan Taylor, Chairman of the Board of Southern Air and a Partner at Oak Hill Capital Partners. “His profound industry and business experience will be a great asset to Southern Air as it continues to expand and upgrade its fleet and extend its global reach.”
Mr. Crandall joined American Airlines in 1973, becoming President in 1982, and Chairman and CEO in 1985. During his 25-year tenure, Mr. Crandall was instrumental in introducing several changes that revolutionized the travel industry. This includes launching an expansion program at American Airlines which more than tripled the company’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 is currently Chairman of the Board of Directors of Celestica Inc. and a Director of Aircell.
He earned a B.S. from the University of Rhode Island and an M.B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School.
A Navajo Chieftain aircraft, operated by Ferguson Air and conducting a charter flight for Southern Air, crashed near New Providence Island in the Bahamas on December 2.
