Early Life
William Augustus Franke was born in Bryan, Texas, in 1937. His early life included travels due to his father's work with the State Department, which exposed him to different cultures in Latin America. Franke's educational journey led him to Stanford University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in history in 1959 and a law degree in 1961. He served in the U.S. Army and later practiced law before entering the business world.
Rise to Success
Franke's career took a pivotal turn when he entered the airline industry. He became the CEO of America West Airlines from 1993 to 2001, and later he founded Indigo Partners in 2002. Indigo Partners became instrumental in developing low-cost carriers worldwide. Franke's strategic investments and leadership roles in airlines such as Spirit Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Wizz Air, Volaris, and JetSmart have significantly shaped the air travel landscape. His ability to identify opportunities and streamline operations in the airline sector has earned him recognition as a pioneer in ultra-low-cost air travel.
Key Business Strategies
Franke's business acumen lies in his focus on low-cost models, operational efficiency, and strategic investments in the aviation sector. His strategy involves acquiring stakes in budget airlines and implementing cost-reduction measures and fleet modernization. A notable move was Indigo Partners' massive order of Airbus A321 aircraft, demonstrating confidence in the recovery of air travel and signaling a commitment to growth.
Philanthropy
The Franke family is involved in philanthropy, with significant contributions to education and healthcare. They have supported Northern Arizona University, the University of Montana, the University of Arizona, Stanford University, and the Mayo Clinic. Their donations often support scholarships, faculty development, and curriculum innovation. In 2021, the Frankes donated $25 million to the University of Arizona, which led to the renaming of the Honors College to the W.A. Franke Honors College.
