NEWS RELEASE
WASHINGTON, April 24, 2009 – The Air Transport Association (ATA), the industry trade organization for the leading U.S. airlines, today congratulated the winners of the 42nd annual ATA Nuts and Bolts Award.
The winner of the award in the industry category was Ronald D. Utecht, co-CEO, president and COO of TIMCO Aviation Services; the winner in the airline category was Oliver S. Martins, formerly vice president of engineering, planning and quality assurance at American Airlines.
The ATA Engineering, Maintenance and Materiel Council recognized Utecht for his remarkable 44-year career in commercial aviation. Utecht began his career as a maintenance technician, eventually rising to become vice president of maintenance and engineering for United Airlines and, subsequently, to lead TIMCO Aviation Services, the largest independent maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) operation in North America. Utecht was recognized for driving pace-setting performance while applying the highest industry standards.
Martins was recognized for his career of more than 38 years with commercial carriers, during which he mastered the various facets of engineering and rose to lead the engineering, planning and quality assurance organization of American Airlines. Martins also was recognized for his active support of the ATA Engineering, Maintenance and Materiel Council’s efforts to enhance and optimize airline technical operations worldwide.
“The extraordinary, lifelong dedication of these outstanding professionals has greatly advanced maintenance operations. Their accomplishments as leaders in their field will have an enduring impact on the aviation industry,” said ATA President and CEO James C. May.
The ATA Nuts and Bolts Award was established in 1967 by members of the ATA Engineering and Maintenance Committee, in order to recognize exemplary leadership in both airline and industry categories. Each award honors outstanding service and contributions to the airline industry over an extended period. Now selected by the Engineering, Maintenance and Materiel Council, the winners of the awards, in both categories, represent individuals who have gone the extra mile and succeeded in improving processes related to airline engineering, maintenance or materiel management. The awards were presented April 21 in Dallas, Texas, at the MRO Americas 2009 Conference & Exhibition.
ATA airline members and their affiliates transport more than 90 percent of all U.S. airline passenger and cargo traffic. For additional industry information, visit www.airlines.org.
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