Hollis Harris, Leader Of Four Airlines, Dies At 84

Hollis Harris, who led four airlines in the 1980s and ’90s and helped launch the first major airline alliance, died July 14 at the age of 84.

Harris spent most of his career at Delta Air Lines, which he joined in 1954 as a transportation agent after serving in the U.S. Army. He rose through the ranks in the carrier’s engineering department, earning his bachelor’s degree in aeronautical engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology along the way. In 1987, he was named president and chief operating officer and a member of Delta’s board.

In 1990, Harris joined Continental Airlines as chairman, president and chief executive officer following the departure of Frank Lorenzo. He resigned the following year over disagreements with the board on how to restructure the airline after the tumultuous Lorenzo years had left it financially hobbled.

In 1992, he became chairman, president and chief executive officer of Air Canada. During his tenure, he signed a strategic agreement with Stephen Wolf, then chairman and chief executive officer of United Airlines, that led to the creation of the Star Alliance, the first major airline alliance.

The following year, Harris returned to the Continental board as part of a deal for Air Canada and the Air Partners Group investment organization to acquire 27.5% of the carrier. They brought Continental out of bankruptcy with roughly the same plan that Harris had been working on before he left Continental two years earlier.

In 1999, Harris joined World Airways, a carrier best known for military and other charters and freight operations, as chairman, president and chief executive officer. During his five years at World, Harris led the carrier’s restructuring and return to profitability. He retired in 2004.

He was inducted into the Georgia Aviation Hall of Fame in 2005.

Harris’ wife of 56 years, Joyce Entrekin, died in 2011. He is survived by a daughter, Patricia, and sons David and Jeffrey.

Funeral services will be held July 18 at 1 p.m. at Peachtree City (Ga.) First Presbyterian Church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Piedmont Fayette Cancer Wellness in honor of Hollis Harris, 2001 Peachtree St. NE, Suite 400 Atlanta GA 30309.