Unsung Heroes of The Skies: Alaska and Horizon Air Maintenance Technicians Honored on Aviation Maintenance Technician Day

Friday, May 24, 2024

Today, we pause to commemorate a team of devoted experts whose skill and dedication guarantee the safety, dependability, and quality of our aircraft. As we observe Aviation Maintenance Technician Day (AMT Day), we pay tribute to the remarkable efforts of the maintenance technicians at Alaska and Horizon Air—our often overlooked champions who labor diligently backstage to uphold our soaring standards.

Running a Safe Operation

Our maintenance technicians play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation of every flight, day in and day out. Whether conducting pre-flight inspections, resolving technical glitches, or conducting thorough maintenance checks, their dedication enables us to ensure safe flights and maintain our commitment to delivering exceptional service to our passengers.

We are especially grateful to our skilled Maintenance and Engineering team that shouldered the inspection work of our 737-9 MAX aircraft earlier this year and safely returned the planes to service.

In the present year, we celebrated the remarkable careers of certain Maintenance and Engineering personnel, bestowing upon them the titles of “Alaska Legends” and “Horizon Pathfinders.” These designations represent the pinnacle of recognition for individuals who have consistently displayed a commitment to reaching new heights, prioritizing the well-being of others, and embodying the finest qualities of our collective ethos.

“I feel honored, there’s some super good mechanics here. It’s interesting work, you learn something new every day, it’s never boring,“ said Ahrens. “I enjoy the challenge, it’s a lot of satisfaction when it actually works, and it’s all done correctly.” 

“Randy’s always positive, no matter what the job is, it doesn’t matter if it’s 40 degrees below up in Purdue Bay or working inside the hangar, he’s always happy and willing to work. We appreciate his skill and caring-ness,” said David Boyce, manager line Maintenance. 

“I take a great deal of pride in how we do our job and how we make sure we’re helping out the airline,” said Williams. 

“Mark makes an impact every day,” says Alex Gorinsky, managing director of M&S ACSC Material Management. “Early before most people are even up, he is digging into problems and finds solutions. He has an uncanny ability to remember everything that he has worked on in the past several years—he remembers part numbers, unique situations, problems that he’s solved, solutions that he’s come up with and he guides his team through these things and is always there for them.” 

“I work with a small group of mechanics in Seattle,” said Oueslati. “We have a good team here. We are like a family. Everybody steps up to help each other with one thing in mind: Return the airplane to service and get the job as safe as we can.” 

“Ben is an outstanding technician,” said Dale Sanderson, maintenance supervisor. “Ben is always willing to go the extra mile, do anything that needs to be done.”  

“We have to make the right decisions—what really gets me fired up is finding challenges and finding those things where it could be something big but getting it fixed fast,” said Weigand. 

“I’ve been doing this a long time and I have a lot of respect for those guys who’ve also helped and mentored me and I just want to keep that moving and going on,” said Weigand.

Join a Legacy of Mechanic Excellence

When you take a maintenance technician job at Alaska or Horizon Air, you are joining a legacy of unmatched skill and innovation. For 22 consecutive years, Alaska Airlines’ Maintenance and Engineering Division has received the Diamond Certificate of Excellence from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), recognizing their unwavering commitment to aviation maintenance training and safety. This prestigious award is part of the FAA’s Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) Awards Program, which encourages continuous training and professional development for aviation maintenance technicians and their employers.

Horizon Air’s Maintenance and Engineering Division also received their 20th Diamond Certificate of Excellence from the FAA in 2020, achieving a 100% participation rate by its aircraft maintenance technicians in the AMT awards program.

Alaska Airlines’ Maintenance and Engineering Division leverages the latest aircraft maintenance technology, providing each mechanic with convenient access to vital information, ensuring safe flights. Our division has been recognized for:

• On-time performance
• Customer satisfaction
• Fuel efficiency and green initiatives
• Maintenance training programs
• Our dedication lies in championing veteran and military employment, extending our support with pride to veterans from every branch, including the U.S. Air Force and Marine Corps.
• Recognized as one of Forbes’ Top 100 Employers.

Becoming an aviation maintenance technician at Alaska or Horizon Air demands intensive training, ongoing education, and steadfast dedication. Our technicians undergo thorough training and certification, ensuring they possess cutting-edge knowledge and skills. Their commitment to staying abreast of aviation technology advancements highlights their pursuit of excellence.

Elevate Your Career: Become an Aircraft Technician with Our Comprehensive Training Programs

Ready to launch your career as an aircraft technician? Our Maintenance Programs are your starting point. With a diverse portfolio of career-focused programs, we’ll help your aviation maintenance career soar. Enroll in the Horizon Maintenance Technician Development Program and benefit from a stipend, mentorship, and much more!