The Wings Club gave the Lifetime Achievement Award to American Airlines CEO Doug Parker. I shared the video American prepared for the event and the acceptance speech that was given by him earlier today in my coverage of his retirement announcement. Robert Isom will become CEO on March 31 and will be replaced by CEO of the airline by the same date.
Southwest Airlines CEO Gary Kelly was the star of the Wings Club event, which was held at the New York Hilton. Since that night, it has been kept close to the vest.
I tried to get a copy of the video. Southwest ignored my requests. It looks like they were saving it for his retirement.
Gary Kelly dropped a musical parody tribute on the social networking site this afternoon, just days before he becomes the airline's non-executive Chairman.
Doug was the CEO of AA for a long time. I was able to share the video tribute I did for Doug when he was honored with the WINGS Club Foundation distinguished achievement award.
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Gary Kelly is on December 7, 2021.
We showed up in boots.
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He wanted to toast his black tie affair.
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The big Wings Club show is for Doug.
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You will be there.
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I can see the fear in his eyes. As he ponders.
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What happens now?
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We are going to give it to you.
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It is so clear.
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All our best to you, that Doug's friends in high places take a look at all the friendly faces.
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So tried and true.
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Hey, who knew you had such social graces? Some of these guys.
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Basket cases are just that.
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Doug has friends.
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In high places.
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He had to be strong to make it so long. Most of the names.
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Are you still here?
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He give to be correct.
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All those airlines will be merged into one.
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Then America West. He couldn't stop US Airways. He tried to buy you all too.
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American came out on top.
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Doug has friends in high places. The jet stream chases his blue away.
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Doug has AA-okay.
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His office is located at The Admirals Club, one of his favorite places.
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Doug has friends in high places.
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We are crazed in the head when it is all done.
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To love this job the same way we do.
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We all have fleets to compete.
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We want the skies to be blue.
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Doug did not mean to cause this scene.
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We wanted to make this the first class.
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He is better than most and we give him a toast.
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Next we should kiss him.
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Take a look at Doug's friends in high places.
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So tried and true.
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Where did you get such social graces? Some of these guys.
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Basket cases are just that.
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Doug has friends in high places.
When Southwest Airlines CEOHerb Kelleher retired, then-American CEO Bob Crandall offered a musical tribute to him at the Wings Club. This is a tradition.
Southwest missed an opportunity with the Oasis line.
