Former Atlas CEO Flynn scoops Amtrak top job

Former chief executive of Atlas Air Worldwide Bill Flynn has landed the top job at North American rail firm Amtrak.

Flynn will take over as chief executive and president on April 15, succeeding former Delta Air Lines chief executive Richard Anderson, who joined Amtrak in July 2017 on a three-year contract.

Flynn left the chief executive role at freighter lessor Atlas Air Worldwide on January 1, to be replaced by John Dietrich, after 13 years in the role.

Flynn moved across to become chairman of the board at Atlas.

Atlas said that significant achievements made during Flynn’s tenure include the transformation of Polar Air Cargo with the DHL joint venture; investment in the 747-8F platform; acquisition of Southern Air, which added 777 and 737 operating capabilities; growth in relationships with express and e-commerce customers; expansions with long-term customers; and entry into passenger charter flying.

Additionally, the company launched and expanded its dry-leasing subsidiary, Titan.

During his tenure, Atlas has also had an ongoing and bitter dispute with pilot unions over a new collective bargaining agreement linked to the acquisition of Southern Air.

Flynn has worked in various transport modes, holding senior roles with CSX Transportation, Sea-Land Services and GeoLogistics Corp.

“Flynn is the right executive to lead us into the future,” said Amtrak chairman Tony Coscia.

“We’ve never been stronger as a company than we are today. We are modernising the customer experience and delivering our service to more people.

Flynn has a consistent track record of growing and improving complex transportation businesses. We are confident he will build upon the strong foundation of record-setting growth and improvement.”