Hollis L. Harris facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Hollis L. Harris
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Harris in 1987
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| Born | November 25, 1931 Carrollton, Georgia, U.S.
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| Died | July 13, 2016 (aged 84) Peachtree City, Georgia, U.S.
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| Alma mater | Auburn University Georgia Institute of Technology |
| Occupation | • President of Delta Air Lines • CEO of Continental Airlines • CEO of Air Canada • CEO of World Airways |
| Years active | 1954–2004 |
| Spouse(s) | Joyce Dolores Entrekin (1955–2011) |
| Children | Patricia (Patti) David Jeffrey |
Hollis Loyd Harris (born November 25, 1931 – died July 13, 2016) was a very important leader in the airline industry. He was the boss, or CEO, of several big airlines. These included Delta Air Lines, Continental Airlines, Air Canada, and World Airways.
Hollis Harris was known for helping these airlines become successful. He guided them through tough times to make them profitable. He also played a key role in creating the Star Alliance. This alliance is now the biggest group of airlines in the world.
Contents
A Career in Aviation
Starting at Delta Air Lines
Hollis Harris's long career in aviation began in 1954. He started working at Delta Air Lines as a transportation agent. At the same time, he was studying aeronautical engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology. This field is all about designing and building aircraft.
He earned his bachelor's degree in 1961. By then, he was already working in Delta's engineering department. He quickly moved up to managerial positions. Between 1965 and 1969, he became the Assistant Vice President of the Facilities Department. This department was in charge of planning and building all of Delta's facilities. This included airport terminals, hangars, and offices.
By 1971, Harris was leading the Aircraft Engineering Department. In 1973, he became the Senior Vice President of Passenger Service. After many promotions, he became President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Delta in 1987. He also joined Delta's Board of Directors. During this time, he helped Delta start new flights to Seoul, South Korea. This was in preparation for the 1988 Summer Olympics held there.
Leading Other Airlines
In 1990, Hollis Harris moved to Continental Airlines. He became its Chairman, President, and CEO. His main job was to help the airline avoid going bankrupt. This means keeping it from running out of money and closing down. He later resigned due to disagreements.
In 1992, he joined Air Canada as Chairman, President, and CEO. The next year, he helped bring Continental Airlines out of bankruptcy. This was part of a plan for Air Canada to buy a part of Continental. While at Air Canada, Harris and Steve Wolf signed an important agreement. This agreement between Air Canada and United Airlines created what is now the Star Alliance. It grew to become the largest airline group in the world. In 1994, a newspaper called the Financial Times of Canada named Harris the "Number One CEO."
In 1999, Harris became Chairman, President, and CEO of World Airways. During his five years there, he cut costs. He moved the airline's main office to Peachtree City, Georgia. Just like at Continental and Air Canada, Harris led World Airways to become profitable. He retired in May 2004.
Personal Life
Early Life and Health
Hollis Harris was born in Carrollton, Georgia. His parents worked in a local cotton mill. When he was 12 years old, in 1943, Hollis got very sick with leukemia. This is a type of cancer. Doctors tried everything, but he wasn't getting better. His father made a promise that if Hollis got well, he would become a Christian minister. Hollis's cancer disappeared without a medical explanation. His father kept his promise and became a Methodist minister for over 50 years.
Education and Family
Hollis graduated from Carrollton High School in 1949. He then attended Auburn University. In 1951, he joined the U.S. Army. He served in Germany during the Korean War and was honorably discharged in 1954.
After his military service, he returned to Georgia. He enrolled in Georgia Tech's Aeronautical Engineering program. He also started working at Delta Air Lines. In 1955, he married Joyce Entrekin. They had three children together.
Hobbies and Later Life
Hollis Harris loved to travel. He visited all seven continents. He even played golf with famous people like U.S. President Gerald Ford and astronaut Neil Armstrong. Since 1987, he was a member of Conquistadores del Cielo. This is a group of successful aviation and aerospace executives. They would meet each September for fun activities. Hollis Harris lived in Peachtree City, Georgia from 1969 until he passed away. He died at the age of 84 on July 13, 2016.
Awards
- Conquistadores del Cielo member (1987)
- Financial Times of Canada: "Number One CEO" (1994)
- National Aviation and Space Exploration Wall of Honor (2000)
- Georgia Tech College of Engineering Hall of Fame (2004)
- Fayette County Chamber of Commerce: Business Person of the Year (2004)
- Georgia Aviation Hall of Fame (2005)
- Boy Scouts of America: Golden Eagle Award (2012)
- Carrollton High School Distinguished Alumni Award (2015)
