The Wall Street Journal has called the former CEO and Chairman of American Airlines Robert L. Crandall, "the man who changed the way the world flies." During his 25-year tenure at American Airlines, Mr. Crandall made major contributions, which revolutionized the travel industry.

In 1973, Mr. 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, Mr. Crandall created Super Saver fares, which introduced the concept of deep discounts for advance-purchased 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 flier program, and in 1983, launched an expansion program that more than tripled American's size and transformed it from a medium-sized carrier to one of the world's leading international airlines, with revenues of more than $20 billion.

Mr. Crandall serves on the Board of Directors of the Halliburton Corp., MediaOne Group, and Celestica. He is also a Director of the National Park Foundation.

Among the many national and trade publications that have honored him for all his achievements and executive leadership, are Business Week, 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.

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, live in Dallas. They have three adult children.