And, I do mean networking in the sense of the good ‘ole boy network. Alex Zoghlin at G2 SwitchWorks Appointed David Siegel, CEO of Gate Gourmet and Former CEO of US Airways to his Board of Directors. Have you ever noticed how incestuous this industry is? But, I’ll bet Siegel can open a lot of doors that would otherwise be closed to a pure tech guy like Zoghlin.
July 31, 2006
July 30, 2006
Consultants Speak at USA Today Sky Blog
The Sky Blog at USA Today regularly serves up fresh quotes from airline consultants. Darryl Jenkins was recently their source for a story about Business Class. Jenkins raised the key point of targeting the customers who contribute the most revenue. Another consultant, Terry Trippler, said “Yes, I would” when asked by Sky if he would book a trip on NWA this summer. I’m not saying that consultants are the main source for airline blogs, but they are a free and responsive resource.
July 29, 2006
The Wings Club
Talk about networking! The Wings Club in New York City has a long tradition as a “home away from home” for Airline executives. Bruce Nobles, ex-CEO of Hawaiian Airlines, is on the club’s Board of Governors and otherwise keeps himself busy as a consultant. Other consultants who seem to be networking from this busy hub are Bob Mann and Julius Maldutis. The Wings Club has a grand history with legendary members like Juan Tripp, Herb Kelleher and Bob Crandall.
July 28, 2006
ITA Software is what, exactly?
ITA Software is: a) the world’s leading airfare pricing and shopping system, b) sponsor of Battle of the Bands, or c) builder of airline Host reservation systems? I wonder if they haven’t strayed a bit from their business plan. Perhaps the recent opt-in contracts of the GDS’s was on their radar and they are just avoiding the rough weather. Or, they might just be diversifying and having a bit of fun while they’re at it.
July 27, 2006
Worldspan; another executive training academy?
Vela McClam-Mitchell is CEO of Market Designs LLC. Before forming Market Designs, Vela was Senior Vice President and General Manager of Worldspan’s Worldwide Travel Supplier Solutions Group, including marketing and sales to airlines. Chicke Fitzgerald was also a senior executive and is perhaps best known for her perspectives on the Global Distribution Systems and the history of airline reservations. These high-profile woman executives have seemingly benefited from the opportunities at their alma mater, Worldspan.
July 25, 2006
American Airlines Alums?
Bruce Hicks is an authority on airline public relations having advised American Airlines on external and internal communications. Like Jack Keady, he has survived the acid test of working for American Airlines. What is it about A/A and their illustrious ex-workers? Is A/A the finishing school of airline management producing marvels like Bruce Parker (CEO of the new US Airways)? Perhaps they just have a problem keeping so much talent with too few opportunities at the top.
