Name: Franco Tedeschi
Title: Regional Vice President
Company, city: American Airlines; Chicago, Ill.
Number of employees: 120,000 company-wide at American Airlines and about 10,000 in Chicago
Recent project: Major construction projects at Chicago O’Hare International Airport and the introduction of new routes
First job: I worked as a waiter to help pay for college, serving guests such as Telly Savalas and Sofia Loren. I joined American Airlines flight operations in 1990.
Little-known fact about you: I have lived in 10 places across the United States, Europe and Asia, and I speak four languages; I plan to master Japanese.
Your Business
What innovations or initiatives do you foresee in the industry over the next few years?
Technology will remain central to travel, enabling a more seamless, personalized experience for customers. Airlines will continue to invest in digital tools, connectivity and airport facilities. At American Airlines, we are reflecting that focus in projects like our 17,000-square-foot lounge at ORD and the ongoing arrival of new aircraft. We are taking deliveries frequently—about every five days—and expect to operate one of the youngest fleets in the industry this year.
Best career advice you’ve received:
The bigger the risk, the bigger the reward. Be willing to step forward and travel paths others haven’t taken.
What advice would you give someone starting out in the field?
Keep an open mind, focus on attracting and retaining talent, and create an atmosphere that makes employees want to come to work. Success in aviation is as much about culture and people as it is about operations.
Franco Tedeschi as a Traveler
Favorite travel memory or story:
My honeymoon in Tahiti stands out—exploring the quiet, untouched parts of the islands. The hotel we chose on a recommendation didn’t quite meet expectations, but years later I bumped into the owner while traveling in France. Small world moments like that make travel memorable.
One travel tip you cannot live without:
Pack light and bring only what you need. I never travel without my iPad, phone and a car magazine.
Best advice for business travelers:
Prioritize convenience and smooth transit. Enroll in Global Entry and consider an Admirals Club membership to make travel easier and more comfortable.
About American Airlines
What can premium travelers expect from AA’s new service to Barcelona?
Our Boeing 787-8 offers lie-flat seats, onboard Wi-Fi, a wide media library and convenient schedules, with departures from ORD at 10:05 p.m. and from BCN at 1:40 p.m. The roughly nine-hour, 50-minute flight is designed to deliver comfort and connectivity for premium travelers.
Tell our readers about the airline’s sponsorship with the Chicago Cubs.
Our multi-year partnership with the World Series Champion Chicago Cubs is an opportunity to connect with employees and the broader community. We host employee events, attend games and bring Cubs-related activities to the airport. The team is generous with their time and deeply committed to community engagement, which strengthens our ties to the city.
What other services can travelers look forward to from Chicago and around the United States?
Chicago remains a critical market for us. This summer we launched 10 new destinations and opened new gates at O’Hare—the first gates to open there in two decades—and we expect five additional gates to come online in spring 2018. We continue to expand our network and enhance airport infrastructure, and travelers can expect continued growth and improved convenience from Chicago and other U.S. markets.