The new president of Bombardier’s fractional ownership and jet card programs has brought a unique perspective to the Canadian manufacturer’s Flexjet and Skyjet operations. Fred Reid, who took the helm on August 25, is the former CEO of Virgin America and has spent more than 25 years working within the commercial aviation sector. He served in various management positions at Pan American World Airways and American Airlines, and later as president of Delta Airlines and president and COO of Lufthansa. In the latter position, he was the first U.S. national to lead a major international airline.
Reid told NBAA Convention News that his career to date has given him an “intimate” knowledge of the various aspects of the air transportation industry. While he learned much about aviation safety, global operations and aviation management and “brand building,” he also realized the value of customer service–a mindset that is missing from many airlines, he said. “Unfortunately, and I don’t say this with any joy, all levels of customer service and convenience have disappeared from the U.S. airline landscape,” Reid said. “But I regard that as an opportunity for us.”
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