Robert Six Quotes
- Businessman
- USA
- 1907
Robert Six was an American businessman and airline executive who is best known for his role as the president and chairman of Continental Airlines. He was born in 1907 in Kansas and began his career in the airline industry in the 1930s. Six is credited with transforming Continental Airlines from a st…Read More
Robert Six was an American businessman and airline executive who is best known for his role as the president and chairman of Continental Airlines. He was born in 1907 in Kansas and began his career in the airline industry in the 1930s. Six is credited with transforming Continental Airlines from a struggling regional carrier into a major national airline. He also played a key role in the development of the jet age and the expansion of air travel in the United States. Some of his notable works include the creation of the first transcontinental jet service and the introduction of the first non-stop flights between the US and Europe. Six’s leadership and innovative strategies have left a lasting impact on the airline industry.Read Less
Robert Six was an American businessman and airline executive who is best known for his role as the president and chairman of Continental Airlines. He was born in 1907 in Kansas and began his career in the airline industry in the 1930s. Six is credited with transforming Continental Airlines from a struggling regional carrier into a major national airline. He also played a key role in the development of the jet age and the expansion of air travel in the United States. Some of his notable works include the creation of the first transcontinental jet service and the introduction of the first non-stop flights between the US and Europe. Six’s leadership and innovative strategies have left a lasting impact on the airline industry.
Robert Six Career Highlights
- In 1929, Six graduated from the University of Utah with a degree in business administration and began his career as a salesman for the Western Air Express.
- In 1933, he joined the newly formed Transcontinental and Western Air (TWA) as a traffic manager.
- In 1944, Six became the president of TWA and led the company through a period of rapid expansion and growth.
- Under his leadership, TWA became the first airline to offer regular transcontinental service and the first to introduce in-flight movies.
- In 1955, Six oversaw the merger of TWA with Howard Hughes’ airline, creating the largest airline in the world at the time.
- In 1961, Six was appointed as the chairman of the board and CEO of TWA, a position he held until his retirement in 1968.
- During his tenure, TWA became the first airline to offer regular transatlantic service and the first to introduce the Boeing 747 jumbo jet into its fleet.
- Six also played a key role in the development of the airline reservation system, which revolutionized the way airlines managed their bookings and schedules.
Key Contributions by Robert Six
- Six was a visionary leader who played a crucial role in shaping the modern airline industry. He was known for his innovative ideas and his ability to anticipate and adapt to changes in the market.
- He was a pioneer in the development of the hub-and-spoke system, which allowed airlines to efficiently connect passengers from smaller cities to major hubs.
- Six was also a strong advocate for the use of technology in the airline industry. He was one of the first to recognize the potential of computerized reservation systems and invested heavily in their development.
- He was a skilled negotiator and was able to secure favorable deals with aircraft manufacturers, which allowed TWA to expand its fleet and offer new and improved services to its customers.
- Six was also a strong proponent of employee training and development. He believed that a well-trained and motivated workforce was essential for the success of any business.
What Sets Robert Six Apart
- Six was a true pioneer in the airline industry, and his contributions have had a lasting impact on the way we travel today.
- He was a risk-taker and was not afraid to challenge the status quo. His bold decisions and innovative ideas helped TWA become one of the leading airlines in the world.
- Six was a charismatic leader who inspired his employees to strive for excellence. He was known for his hands-on approach and was often seen working alongside his employees on the tarmac or in the cockpit.
- He was also a philanthropist and a strong advocate for education. He established the Robert F. Six Chair in Business and Economics at the University of Utah and donated generously to various charitable causes.
Takeaways
- Robert Six’s career is a testament to the power of determination, hard work, and innovation. He started as a salesman and rose to become one of the most influential figures in the airline industry.
- His leadership style, which focused on employee development and customer satisfaction, serves as a valuable lesson for aspiring business leaders.
- Six’s contributions to the airline industry have had a lasting impact and continue to shape the way we travel today. He will always be remembered as a pioneer and a visionary who revolutionized the way we fly.