Robert Crandall, former CEO of American Airlines, was one of the first seven members inducted into the new Rhode Island Aviation Hall of Fame on Dec. 16.

Under Crandall’s leadership, AMR Corporation, the parent of American Airlines, was a top-performing Fortune 500 company during the late 1980s and 90s. Crandall became president of both companies in 1980 and chairman/CEO of both in 1985, continuing in those positions until he retired in 1998.

During his 25 years with American, Crandall and his team helped develop the first airline industry frequent flyer program.