KINGSTON-BASED aviation maintenance technician (AMT) John Wong is among five technicians receiving American Airlines’ (AA) prestigious Ken MacTiernan Award for Excellence in Aviation Maintenance. Wong has been an AMT for 35 years.

American Airlines recognised the five AMTs for exceptional work in their field. Since 2019 the award has been honouring AMTs at American Airlines, “who exhibit the qualities of professional AMTs, strive to uphold the highest standards in aircraft maintenance, and support and promote the profession”, AA said. “Each year, we gather to celebrate American’s best and brightest AMTs,” said American’s Senior Vice-President of Technical Operations Kevin Brickner. “Not only are we honouring these mechanics for the work they do in the hangar to keep our customers and team members safe, but the work they do in their communities and with the future generation of AMTs.

“The honorees are an inspiration to their fellow team members and to the entire aviation maintenance industry,” Brickner said.

The award is named after San Diego-based Ken MacTiernan who has been an AMT with American for more than 38 years and is most notably known for being instrumental in creating National AMT Day, observed on May 24, to honour AMTs who are committed to maintaining safe and reliable aircraft.

other 2024 honorees are: Edmund Bossart of Los Angeles, California, who has served as an AMT for 44 years; Joni Haddorff of Las Vegas, with 24 years under her belt; Armen Hambartsounian of Los Angeles, 25 years as an AMT; and Dennis Lyle of Tulsa, Oklahoma, 35 years as an AMT.

As the world’s leading global airline, American Airlines offers thousands of flights per day, to more than 350 destinations, in more than 60 countries.