Former Atlas CEO Bill Flynn takes the helm at Amtrak

So Atlas Air’s former chief executive Bill Flynn is not retiring after all – in fact, he’s taken on the top job at Amtrak.

He joins as chief executive and president on 15 April, succeeding Richard Anderson, who has finished his three-year commitment to the rail company after leaving Delta Airlines. Mr Anderson will stay on as an adviser for Mr Flynn.

Mr Flynn, before his 13 years at Atlas, also worked for CSX, Sea-Land Services and GeoLogistics Corp.

“Bill is the right executive to lead us into the future,” said Amtrak board chairman Tony Coscia. “We are modernising the customer experience and delivering our service to more people. Bill 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 set by the board, Richard and the entire Amtrak team.”

Amtrak said it was set ”to achieve operational breakeven for the first time in the company’s 49-year history”. Additionally, it is investing billions in capital assets and is undertaking the largest fleet renewal in company history, with new high-speed Acela trains entering service on the north-east corridor next year.

“Amtrak’s future is incredibly bright and I’m excited to join the team,” said Flynn. “Amtrak service is vital to millions of Americans across the nation and by improving the customer experience, driving safety, and strengthening our partnership with states and other stakeholders, we can do much more for the American people.”

Mr Anderson said: “Bill brings deep expertise across all aspects of transportation and a true passion for the customer. As the company refleets our equipment, expands our services and advances key infrastructure projects like the Gateway Program, it will require the steady leadership and relentless drive for improvement that I know Bill can provide.”