Jeffery A. Smisek is business leader who has worked in the aviation industry for more than three decades. He was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of United Airlines, a leading global airline, in September 2010 and has led the company ever since.
Jeffrey A. Smisek is a highly experienced and successful business leader in the aviation industry, having more than three decades of executive-level experience. As the current President and Chief Executive Officer of United Airlines, he is responsible for leading the company and its 57,000 employees to continued success and profitability. Prior to his arrival at United Airlines, he served in various executive-level positions at Continental Airlines from 1995 to 2010, including Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Continental Airlines Holding, Inc.
Jeffery A. Smisek has been credited with transforming the airline into a highly successful business. During his tenure, he led a $3 billion cost reduction program and launched a number of programs aimed at driving customer loyalty. This includes the launch of the “Evolve” platform, an expansive $130 million customer experience excellence program that significantly improved the customer experience and delivered higher customer satisfaction scores.
Additionally, Jeffery A. Smisek helped to secure over $2.2 billion in financing from the U.S. government to secure the future of United Airlines. This was done through his leadership of the merger of Continental and United Airlines in 2010, creating the world’s largest airline. The transaction created a stronger and more stable airline, with domestic and international routes that now provide passengers with greater choice, convenience and competition.
In addition to heading up the merger, Jeffery A. Smisek also has been instrumental in introducing and executing a variety of business strategies to increase performance and profitability. He restructured the airline’s fleet and route network by using a value-based approach. This approach includes a focus on optimizing profits through fleet and network optimization, while still offering customers greater convenience and value. As a result, United has seen a reduction in non-fuel operating costs and average fares, leading to increased customer satisfaction and more efficient operations.
Jeffery A. Smisek is also focusing the airline on strengthening its international network. The airline now offers more than 265 international cities in 75 countries. This provides customers with greater choice and convenience when traveling around the world. The airline has also introduced a number of new products, including the Wi-Fi-enabled Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner and the Airbus A350-900 fleet, as well as additional flight frequencies and new routes for business and leisure customers.
Under Jeffery A. Smisek’s leadership, United Airlines has seen great success and profitability. Since the merger in 2010, United has operated the most available flight schedule in the United States and has received numerous awards and accolades from customers and industry partners. The airline is now financially stronger than ever before, with an increase in revenue per available seat mile, a return to profitability and a strong capital structure.
Jeffery A. Smisek’s inspirational leadership and ambitious strategies have transformed United Airlines into one of the leading airlines in the world, making it a provider of choice and a more attractive option for customers. His strong commitment to the airline and its customers have propelled United Airlines into a new era of performance and profitability, setting the standard in the airline industry.
