Great American Business Leaders of the 20th Century
Donald C. Burr
People Express Airlines
1980–1986
1980–1986
People Express Airlines
1980–1986
1980–1986
- Industry: Transportation
- Era: 1980
Burr created an airline based on low cost travel and a flat organizational structure, setting People Express apart from other airlines. By giving employees stock in the company, Burr was able to dramatically impact productivity. People Express had the lowest cost-per-seat-mile of any airline in the early 1980s, allowing the company to profitably offer lower fares than its competitors. In 1983, People stock, issued at $8 dollars a share, rose to a high of $50 and split two for one. In 1985, Burr purchased Frontier Airlines, making People Express the fifth-largest carrier in the nation.
Personal
- Born-Died: 1941
- Birthplace: Connecticut
- Race: White
- Gender: Male
- Father: Professional
Education / Military
- Graduate: Harvard University
- Undergraduate: Stanford University