Trans World Airlines has hired the chief executive of upstart Reno Air to be the carrier's new president and chief operating officer, TWA said.

Jeffrey Erickson, 49, is to start his new job next month after being formally elected by the TWA board, the airline said. Erickson has worked for Pan Am, Midway and Continental airlines.Donald F. Craib, chairman and chief executive of TWA, had been said to be looking for an experienced airline executive to fill the No. 2 spot. Craib was a retired insurance executive before taking over as TWA chairman.

TWA's management was shaken up in early January when chairman William Hoard and vice chairman Glenn Zander, who was responsible for the airline's finances, quit. The board immediately elected Craib as the surprise choice to run the airline.

"Mr. Erickson's experience and track record with aggressive start-up carriers will add an important strategic dimension to our man-agement team," Craib said in a statement.

View Comments

Robin H.H. Wilson, who was co-chief executive of the airline with Zander after former owner Carl Icahn left and before Howard was hired, will remain in his position as vice chairman and head of operations.

Join the Conversation
Looking for comments?
Find comments in their new home! Click the buttons at the top or within the article to view them — or use the button below for quick access.