Alaska Airlines names new vice president of maintenance and engineering

Rhea-AI Summary

Alaska Airlines appointed Donald Wright as vice president of maintenance and engineering, effective Aug. 23, 2021. Wright, an aviation expert with extensive experience, previously worked at United Airlines, overseeing 6,500 maintenance employees. He succeeds Constance von Muehlen, now Chief Operating Officer. Wright will lead over 1,346 employees, managing the safety and operational performance of Alaska's Boeing and Airbus fleets. His leadership is expected to enhance operational performance and safety compliance.

Positive

• Donald Wright's extensive experience at United Airlines could enhance operational performance at Alaska Airlines.
• Wright's role involves leading a significant team, which may improve maintenance efficiency.

Negative

• None.

SEATTLE, Aug. 11, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Alaska Airlines' board of directors elected aviation veteran Donald Wright vice president of maintenance and engineering, effective Aug. 23, 2021. Wright will assume the role formerly held by Constance von Muehlen who was appointed Chief Operating Officer on April 3. In his new role, Wright will lead 1,346 employees, including the technical operations team, and oversee the safety, compliance and operational performance of the airline's mainline Boeing and Airbus fleet.

Wright is joining the company after recently retiring from United Airlines, where he served as vice president of maintenance operations, responsible for more than 6,500 line maintenance employees at 45 stations as well as third-party aircraft maintenance vendors globally. 

"Don is a strong strategic leader with a proven track record of operational performance improvement and vast industry experience leading technical operations," said von Muehlen. "As a forward thinker in process improvement and a fierce advocate for safety and compliance since his early days as a certificated aircraft technician, I am confident Don will support and lead the Maintenance & Engineering team to new heights."

While at United, and previously Continental Airlines, Wright held various leadership roles, including vice president of the Newark hub, where he was responsible for Newark, JFK and LaGuardia operations. He was also managing director of technical operations in LAX, accountable for aircraft line maintenance operations in the western United States and the Asia/Pacific regions. 

Wright first joined Continental Airlines in 1988 as an international maintenance representative in Sydney, Australia, and quickly rose through the ranks to lead teams around the world including Asia/Pacific, Europe and Latin America. 

Wright launched his career with Qantas Airways as an aircraft maintenance engineer, the Australian equivalent to an FAA-licensed aircraft technician and holds an FAA airframe and powerplant certificate. 

Wright is a current trustee for Air Camp, which provides students hands-on opportunities to learn about STEM-related fields, including aviation and aeronautics. He and his wife Joanne have two children and currently live in the San Juan Islands in Washington. 

About Alaska Airlines 
Alaska Airlines and its regional partners serve more than 120 destinations across the United States and to Mexico, Canada and Costa Rica. The airline emphasizes Next-Level Care for its guests, along with providing low fares, award-winning customer service and sustainability efforts. Alaska is a member of oneworld. With the global alliance and the airline's additional partners, guests can travel to more than 1,000 destinations on more than 20 airlines while earning and redeeming miles on flights to locations around the world. Learn more about our climate impact goals at blog.alaskaair.com. Learn more about Alaska Airlines at newsroom.alaskaair.com and blog.alaskaair.com. Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air are subsidiaries of Alaska Air Group (NYSE: ALK).  

 

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SOURCE Alaska Airlines

FAQ

Who is the new vice president of maintenance and engineering for Alaska Airlines?

Donald Wright has been appointed as the new vice president of maintenance and engineering.

When does Donald Wright start his role at Alaska Airlines?

Donald Wright's role as vice president of maintenance and engineering starts on Aug. 23, 2021.

What was Donald Wright's previous position before joining Alaska Airlines?

Before joining Alaska Airlines, Donald Wright served as vice president of maintenance operations at United Airlines.

Who did Donald Wright succeed at Alaska Airlines?

Donald Wright succeeded Constance von Muehlen as vice president of maintenance and engineering.

How many employees will Donald Wright oversee at Alaska Airlines?

Donald Wright will oversee 1,346 employees in his new role.