American Airlines CEO Doug Parker named the 2017 Tony Jannus Award recipient

(May 9, 2017) The Tony Jannus Distinguished Aviation Society and Tampa International Airport announced last week American Airlines Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Doug Parker as the recipient of the 2016 Tony Jannus Award. The Society and TPA representatives made the announcement May 9 at a press conference held at Tampa International Airport. 

The announcement was made ahead of the Society’s Dec. 1, 2017, dinner and ceremony, at which Parker will accept the award. The Society cited Parker’s successful leadership of American Airlines Group and his contributions to aviation as some of the merits by which he was selected.

“We are delighted that Doug Parker was nominated and has accepted to be the recipient of the 2017 Tony Jannus Award,” said Paul Piro, Chair of the Tony Jannus Distinguished Aviation Society. “Mr. Parker knows aviation and has worked with and led some of the top airlines in North America including America West, US Airways and since its merger, as Chairman and CEO of American Airlines Group.  A vocal proponent of airline industry consolidation, Parker is a pioneer and we look forward to presenting him with his award on December 1st.”

Previously, Parker was chairman and CEO of US Airways. Before the merger of US Airways and America West Airlines in 2005, he was chairman, president and chief executive officer of America West. Parker became the CEO at America West just 10 days before Sept. 11, 2001, and led the carrier through the crisis.

Under Parker’s leadership, US Airways achieved record revenue growth, operational performance and profit margins that outpaced most industry peers. Parker has been a vocal proponent of airline industry consolidation, which provides a more stable and competitive industry for employees, customers and communities.