APEX in Profile: Alice Liu
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Alice Liu
Managing Director, Customer Experience Strategy, Planning and Development
American Airlines
Alice started her career with American Airlines in 1998 and has held a variety of leadership roles. She began serving as managing director of Onboard Products in 2010 and has recently transitioned to an expanded role of Managing Director of Customer Experience Strategy, Planning and Development. Before joining American, Alice worked at Ernst & Young, providing professional audit services for corporate clients in a variety of industries.
She has a long history of community involvement in Dallas and is especially passionate about minority and women’s initiatives in her local community. Alice has served on the Women Business Forum for Greater Dallas Asian American Chamber of Commerce and on the board of directors for the PLAN Fund, a microfinancing organization. She also served on AMR’s Diversity Advisory Council and received the American Airlines Award of Diversity Contribution for Executive Management.
Fluent in Mandarin Chinese, Alice earned both a master of accounting and a bachelor of business administration from The University of Texas at Austin – McCombs School of Business.
FAST FACTS
Location: DFW
The future of flight will be: Effortless
Favorite Hotel: The Singular Patagonia, Puerto Bories
Passport stamp you wish you had: Nepal, and my heart and thoughts go out to the Nepalese who were impacted by the recent natural disaster.
What is your favorite aircraft?
American Airlines’ 777-300. It was my first aircraft program (or my “first born”) as managing director of Onboard Products and the launching point of American’s fleet modernization initiative. We’re taking delivery of two new planes a week on average in 2015. We’re also in the process of redesigning and refreshing numerous other current aircraft fleets to elevate our in-flight customer experience.
Something only people working in the airline industry would understand?
The ups and downs of flying standby. It’s better than Six Flags’ roller coaster. I remember flying my whole family (including my husband-to-be and myself) to our wedding in Banff, Canada, during the peak season. That was an adventure.
What’s the one item you can’t travel without?
Bose QuietComfort 20i Acoustic Noise Cancelling headphones.
The best meal you’ve ever had during a flight?
I loved airplane food growing up and could not get enough of it. I used to ask for second servings.
What’s the most efficient way to pack a carry-on suitcase?
Establish a packing checklist for carry-ons. This way you know the items will fit and you will never miss another item.
“Suitcases are like shoes – they’re an accessory that you carry based on purpose and mood.”
Your favorite brand of suitcase?
Suitcases are like shoes – they’re an accessory that you carry based on purpose and mood. Rimowa for the sleek and modern look; Black Tumi for the understated and effortless travel experience.
Two things that you miss most about home when you’re traveling?
Jasper, my sweet long-haired dachshund, and my mom’s cooking. My family still gets together every Sunday to enjoy a 10-plus-dish feast prepared by my mom. Can I name three things? I don’t think my husband would be too happy if I don’t include him in the mix.
The career path you considered but never followed?
Investment banker.
Craziest travel experience?
We need to have drinks together to have this conversation.