This week American Airlines’ most senior employee is celebrating his 80th anniversary. No, not his 80th birthday, but his 80th anniversary of working for the airline.
Continue reading: 96-Year-Old Celebrates 80 Years Working At American Airlines
Share your questions, experiences, and thoughts below.
According to Akbar Al Baker, Delta have flight attendants that are equally as old
I think this shows you (us) the "cream of the crop" when Aviation-Focused Schooling/Degrees/ are in place where talent is cultivated. It is an amazing career. Look at how things that have changed. Many airlines have shifted towards the "disposable staff" policy. Of course, then complaining about staff shortages. Airlines back in the day actually offered training, development programs for Fresh Grads, let alone sponsoring Flight School for Pilots.. thats before going cheap and stopping all this. Look at where that has gotten the industry into...
For "New Joiners" into the industry, it is nothing more than a temp/stepping stone, which is very understandable. The General Public expects flights to be there for them, Corporate expects employees to be accept all the "new" innovations in making the new contracts terrible. The same can be said about the Hospitality Industry. The Race to the Bottom, with no "Bottom" insight. Well, Maybe "False Bottoms".. They always manage to go lower.
Aviation High School is actually in Sunnyside/Long Island City, in Queens. It's one subway stop away from JetBlue's headquarters
Fun Fact: Orville Wright was still alive when Al Blackman started working for American Airlines.
K fellas, on this blog we all hate each other for a host of reasons... But for once wanna get together and toast to this man? Let's hope he has many more of these & continues to enjoy every bit of it.
Great story. Thanks Ben.
With his tenure, he absolutely has first dibs on overtime.
what an incredible person.
When you love what you do, it isn't work and you never want to stop doing it.
What a coincidence, I also graduated from Aviation High School in 1972 as FAA aviation
technician with Airframe & Poweplant licenses !
Those were the days !
What a wonderful man of great work ethics. Why the comment on others having to check his work? Mature workers are always better for their attention to detail and focus. This is called ageism and diminishes his commitment and hard work!
Al may you have a healthy and prosperous life, you have been one of the few that have made such a different.. you rock my friend!!
I worked with Al as a Crew Chief for American in the 1970's. I am retired 22 years..
UNITED is Rising, sponsoring the new UNITED AVIATE flight academy in Goodyear, Arizona
Worked at JFK for AA for many years. When I started it was his 49th year. Always said hi and went about his business. God Bless Al!
I escorted Bob and his wife in. It was Al's personal request he be there. It was a special day.
Congratulations to him. He deserves it. While having old ladies as flight attendants is not helpful when it should be an under 35 job before mother or fatherhood, ground crew or airport workers are a different story. Very nice story.
Yeah In 2022 to control the damage they’ve caused. It’s a bit too late isn’t it?
That’s awesome, congratulations & thank you for being a genuine inspiration to so many.
Im an american airlines employee but my opinions do not represent the company. If you are an aircraft mechanic id say its going to be a great ride if you are starting right now. If i had a 16 year old kid i would push for him or her to go that way. By the time they are 30 they would be making over 100k base plus overtime plus benefits. And you dont ever deal with customers. Whats not to love?
Emotional to watch.
All AvGeeks could only hope for similar lifetime fulfillment.
I Wish him well.for sure he will keep all the flights airworthy. I m a UAL mechanic from SFO ,retired with 31 years of experience. Nice to hear the heart warming story
I guess it depends on whether the employee is staying that long because he/she wants to or has to. Big difference.
Props to Al, what a fantastic career. He literally can draw upon years of professional experience. And he must have one hell of an onload priority 🙂
Long past due to retire. Pilots have a mandatory retirement age. Aircraft mechanics should as well.
Congratulations! I heard the wonderful stories about Al on a daily basis while working at LGA!
That proof :if you are healthy ,like what you do,Do not discriminate or segregate any body because aged or any other adjective.Congratulatios to AA ,God bless him. Procer L
You nailed it and congratulations! Loving what you have chosen for a career combined with a strong work ethic are two of the most important elements for yourself and the employer to attain a life of work related success and happiness. I talk to young people frequently about choosing a career path and will use this as an example when they whine the words "l can't".
GOD BLESS YOU AL, for helping keep our planes safe, and setting a work ethic I wish others would follow.
Thank You,
george
San Antonio
You nailed it and congratulations! Loving what you have chosen for a career combined with a strong work ethic are two of the most important elements for yourself and the employer to attain a life of work related success and happiness. I talk to young people frequently about choosing a career path and will use this as an example when they whine the words "l can't".
He doesn't actually "work" for the airline anymore. He's been on leave for awhile, American just keeps him listed as employed to be their own mascot.
Pilots àre no longer able to fly after a certain age. Why in the world would American Airlines not have the same policy for a airline mechanic.
A while back we took my Aunt to an orthopedist because of leg pain. He took one look and told his assistant "that is a hip, schedule surgery". We were uncomfortable because the dr. was close to 90 years old and we were not sure he should still operate. Through the grapevine we found out the Hospital management was secretly monitoring him once a week, the last report was that the young surgeon assisting and monitoring wished he had those skills. The patient was up and walking out of the Hospital 3 days later and resumed normal life, refused therapy.
Yes, off topic but related to assumptions regarding old age.
Yes, let’s all toast Al.
But why are you sure his work probably gets double checked? Is it because he’s some old geezer who walks around squirting 3-n-1 oil on everything and banging random things with a wood hammer.
I realize you’re a ginger, who generally are ill mannered, but that’s no excuse for your ageist remark.
I wish I hadn’t taken the retirement package when UAL filed chapter 11. The sole purpose by United was to tear apart every contract. It screwed all pilots , mechanics , ground And Inflight out of $4.5 Billion. It was the best career ever. I miss the educational level of fellow flying crews , and comraderie and the freedom Congratulations to those who stuck out all the bumps along the way.
Good on Al. Honestly many people I know from that place in time just flat out enjoy working and being productive. They take pride in what they have done, and never really want to ever completely stop. Retirement is not for everyone. Some people will just go crazy with boredom.
I worked at JFK between 10/15/92 to 9/9/98, before I transferred to MIA. Al "Blackie" Blackman was my Crew Chief, when I would work Dayshift or Overtime at the Hangar. One of the most knowledgeable Aircraft Maintenance Technician I ever had, and he was always quick with a few jokes. I will always cherish the time I spent with "Blackie".
Just think about this, Al started at AA before airports were popular! He had to wade into Flushing Bay and tie a line to Sikorsky FLYING
BOATS to be pulled in on rails with a dolly and worked on in the hanger at the NY Marine Air Terminal Hangar, now called Laguardia Airport! He's worked on every plane American Airlines flew up to the 777-200 that bears his name, 7AB as mechanics refer to it. Always a gentleman and professional, congratulations AL on your 80th year! Now, it is your BREAK TIME, it was a pleasure working with you!
Congratulations Al on your accomplishments in life, what an incredible journey you made your life to be. AA you honored him 1st class and are amazing in the industry of aviation when an employee considers their job, enjoyment, that says it all to all who run American Airlines. Keep up the awesome work you all do.
I'm truly happy for this gentleman's accomplishment but I wish they could deliver my bags.
WELL DESERVED BEING HONORED. IN 2022 THESE JOBS NOT THAT EASY DEALING WITH THE TIMES AND PAYING CUSTOMERS.HATS OFFTO YOU FOLKS ROSIE ROSENSTEINPAN AM 1958-1991
We have a guy like him working for American over at Bradley international, he's 86 and completely useless. Where's the article about how much more difficult work is when they let these guys work well after they're supposed to retire. Yeah it's great he's in good shape but 80 years in airline mechanics doesn't mean much if you can't even lift your tools to begin with. Give people the opportunity to retire instead of working them for 80 years and "congratulating" them.
I worked in another department back in 1988 and we used to talk every morning in the break room in the hanger.
He’s the nicest guy and gave me plenty of advice. He once offered to co-sign for me a home on Long Island….I respectfully declined. I’m blessed to know him and have worked around him.
They called me the Clockman.
Because they call "age discrimination" when we call HR on them for literally not being able to work while also being tired of "doing them favors" everyday to literally help them get by at work.
I bet his work is top notch. Why do you say that you imagine some of his work needs double checked? It is more likely that he keeps the young inexperienced ones in check!
And I thought Ron’s service as an Engineer was long on today’s standard, (he was in his 50th year when he died from multiple Myeloma). This guys service is outstanding.
What an amazing man. Our maintenance base at Tulsa painted that 75 year on the 777 for him. Wish I could personally meet him.
American establishes priority based on time of check-in, so he actually has the exact same onload priority as the dependent of an Envoy new hire!
I think this is a PR stunt and coup for the airline rather than the individual himself. If they have to 'double check ' his work that kind of negates the argument for having him still in his role. Not convinced I'm affraid.
*smile* working is the eternal..almost....fountain of youth..working guys have no time to get older.....God bless them..
It should be illegal to work that long it's illegal in other countries American airline is a bad company anyway with poor service
Correct, that is the reason most people do not want to fully retire.
There was a rancher around me where I live. That was his reason he just loved getting up and going to work.
He was such a smart man. I loved to talk with him. He lived to be 96.
Glad Al is happy this is such a feel good story.
Correct, that is the reason most people do not want to fully retire.
There was a rancher around me where I live. That was his reason he just loved getting up and going to work.
He was such a smart man. I loved to talk with him. He lived to be 96.
Glad Al is happy this is such a feel good story.
God bless you! If only you would hear more stories of great inspiration like this to get these kids of today off their asses and quit dilly-dallying on their cell phones and get a decent work ethic.
Congratulations! Al, you are to be commended for your dedication, and your great work ethic! I recognize you, as I too flew out of JFK! God Bless and keep you Sir! ✝️
God Bess you Blackie. You are an incredibly strong man and devoted to your lifes work. We are so proud of you.
Congratulations to Mr Blackman. O had the honor of working along side him. Full of jokes made me smile a lot. Nice man. Great personality and master mechanic. A dinosaur
Your mommy and daddy must be very proud of how they raised you Amy. So happy you’re not related to me. Sad.
Praise the Lord, What an amazing story.
Let's pray that american Air Lines gives him what he deserves for all those years. How about a nice vacation ito any destination
Of his choice for 3 weeks all expenses paid.
May the Lord continue to keep you healthy
And allow you to stay doing what you enjoy.
Amazing Al! You have done our aviation industry proud by your commitment, dedication and passion for your work! True inspiration for us all and for generations to come!
Keep going Al and stay blessed !
God Bless You & AA! ✈
I worked for Blackie while on the vacation relief crew for a very short time in 1989, back then he was already #1 on the AMT seniority list. He is a total gentleman and his good nature affected everyone near him. It was a please to know him, a true aviation legend.
Sadly this shouldn’t be celebrated. The fest is impressive and thankfully do reward him with a special moment.
However, people shouldn’t have to be in a situation where they have to work 80 years of their life, his retirement money should be enough to have him make ends meet.
Al looks great in the photo for being 90+ years old. I love the old Rolex he is wearing. Seems very classy.
@Christophe Chill out. Joe Biden is 79 and President. While not in his sharpest condition, you can work into your late ages and get the job done.
I can't believe you think he has to work. He works,like me,because he loves what he does. I'm near 90 and still work at a local airport. I'm retired and definitely DON'T have have to work for the money. I've been working on aircraft since 1952 and intend to as long as I'm able.
Great effort, I have been working as an aircraft engineer in Australia for a mere fifty years. Have a 6am start tomorrow you are an inspiration to me tooking forward to the next 30 years✈
He's American. He's not allergic to work like your culture is. He can do whatever he wants he isn't oppressed and broke like in your culture.
Congratulations! Awesome and incredible! I pray that you work as long as you want, Blackie!