A lot has changed over the years. In the late 90s American Eagle carriers, including Chaparral, Metro, Simmons, Flagship and others merged, and in 1998, American Eagle Airlines was born. In 2014, American Eagle Airlines became Envoy. We currently operate approximately one third of all American Eagle branded flights to destinations all across North America and the Caribbean.

Last year, Envoy said a fond farewell to our Embraer 145 fleet and for the first time in our Company history, became an operator with a single fleet type of Embraer 175/170 aircraft.

This year is a milestone for Envoy – in March we surpassed 20,000 employees; in April we celebrated 10 years of Envoy; and in the first quarter we announced continued growth that will bring our fleet commitment to at least 181 aircraft.

Our history is rich, our future is bright and we’re grateful for everyone who ensures that we continue to be one of the safest and best regional carriers in the world.

Employees were encouraged to visit each of the many booths available to learn about Safety-related subjects like proper hydration on the ramp, how to administer CPR or how to handle wildlife that may show up on airport grounds.

“We were so happy to see such an incredible turnout at this year’s safety fair,” said Envoy Vice President of DFW Hub Jose Velez-Rubio. “Safety is always our number one priority, so seeing so many of our frontline employees showing up to this event to refresh and expand their knowledge on the subject means the event was a total success.”

In addition to the many learning opportunities, employees also had the chance to play various safety-themed games to win swag from all the vendors, and even be entered into a raffle to win a TV, espresso machine and more.

“It’s a great feeling to know people will leave this event with stronger safety skills, while also making fun memories together as a team,” said Envoy Managing Director of Ramp Services Shannon Marks. “It seems like each safety fair is bigger and better than the last one, and I’m proud to say this one lived up to that standard.”

We can’t wait to see how DFW tops this event next year!

View more photos from the event here.

Rick’s Journey: From Catering to Career Success

Rick’s story is a testament to how unexpected beginnings can lead to a fulfilling career. His journey in the aviation industry began with a seemingly chance encounter that ignited a passion he didn’t know he had.

In 1989, Rick moved to the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) area. His interest in aviation was sparked by his best friend’s wife, a Flight Attendant for Metro Airlines at the time. Metro Airlines later merged with other regional carriers to become American Eagle Airlines and in 2014 became Envoy.

Despite having no prior experience in the field, Rick was encouraged by a friend to apply for a job in aircraft catering. Little did he know, this would set him on a path that would define his career.

On his first day in catering, Rick was fascinated by the complex operations required to ensure every flight departed safely and on time. Driving around the planes and observing the dedicated teams at work was eye opening.

His interactions with mechanics, who introduced him to the Stores department, further fueled his interest in aviation. After five years in catering, Rick seized the opportunity to transfer to Stores, a move that marked the beginning of a new chapter in his career.

The Power of Teamwork

For Rick, the success of his team stems from a shared commitment to both the parts they manage and the mechanics they support.

What sets Rick apart in his approach to work is his unwavering belief in teamwork. He thrives on communication and enjoys learning beyond his immediate responsibilities. Rick is known for his reliability and problem-solving skills, always eager to take on new challenges and contribute to the team’s success.

In his 2023 President’s Award nomination, one nominator wrote that “people from across the maintenance organization call [Rick] for assistance. Rick always takes the extra time to go well above and beyond his regular duties to help, even when off duty. All the maintenance Class III stations – “Just Call Rick” when we need something. He is an invaluable resource to us that deserves to be recognized for his contributions.”

Milestones and Personal Growth

Rick’s career has been marked by several memorable milestones. Working at various stations, he has forged lasting friendships and professional connections.

One of the highlights was his promotion to a management position at the Columbus, OH (CMH) hangar facility. Leading and training a team was a transformative experience for Rick that helped him grow both personally and professionally. The guidance he received from managers and his team during this time was instrumental in shaping his career.

His career in aviation has taught him a valuable lesson – perseverance is key. Regardless of how challenging a day may be, his focus and determination helps him overcome obstacles. Rick believes that, with the support of a reliable team, any challenge can be tackled successfully.

Outside of work, Rick indulges in hobbies that bring him joy. He’s an avid collector of Star Wars and airline memorabilia, enjoys going to the movies, and loves working on his 1967 Volkswagen Baja. These interests add a personal touch to his already rich and fulfilling career.

Rick’s journey from catering to the AOG team is a testament to how passion, continued interest and an open mind can lead to remarkable career success. His story is an inspiration for anyone looking to find their path and is what has earned him the 2023 Envoy Presidents Award.

What inspired you to pursue a career in aviation?

“From a young age, I dreamt of working in aviation. The core of the industry is connecting people, and some of my fondest memories growing up where when I visited family and loved ones that lived in distant corners of the country or had the opportunity to travel and experience new cultures around the globe.

I began my career at Envoy in 2019 as a supervisor in the brand-new Reporting Administration department. Right off the bat, I was given the opportunity to build a team of analysts specializing in Employee Data reporting.

I attribute much of my professional growth to many of the challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. The environment at the time forced us to look for new solutions to problems that we had never faced and exposed vulnerabilities in processes that had not previously been identified.

During this time my role expanded to include configuration of our HR Information System (HRIS) and my team size doubled. Today, I lead a team of wonderfully talented and imaginative analysts who embrace a continuous improvement model as we configure our core HR system and support other teams with business process development.”

What do you believe sets your approach to work apart from others?

“I do not accept ‘but we have always done it that way,’ as an answer when looking to solve a problem. I take a creative approach to facing challenges and I am not afraid to try something new.

I have had the opportunity to work with leaders who have given me the latitude to discover and implement what are at times unconventional solutions. I also believe that we are capable of so much more when we partner with one another rather than working in silos. Collaboration and relationship building are keys to success in my eyes.”

Are there any memorable moments or significant milestones in your career that stand out to you?

“I mentioned the COVID-19 pandemic earlier, but it truly was the rebound from the pandemic that is one of the most memorable times for me. It was almost overnight we went from having to furlough employees to hiring at rates we had never seen.

The juxtaposition of this time, in conjunction with the impact my team was able to make resonates with me to this day. It was during this time that we established many of our processes for organization as new information was coming to us every day.”

What is your favorite part about working at Envoy? 

“All levels of leadership have always treated me as a person, by that I mean, in a company with more than 21-thousand employees to not feel like a number but an actual human being is amazing. At Envoy, I have never felt that I was a cog in a corporate machine but rather an individual with thoughts, feelings, and quirks making contributions to a common goal. To have the ability and to be encouraged to bring your authentic self to work every day is something you do not find in every company, and I am grateful to work for leaders with this mindset.

The most rewarding part of my career has been watching the talent on my team develop. None of my team members came into their roles with IT or System experience but they share a similar mindset and vision for what we can accomplish when we put our minds together. Seeing folks who have developed hard and soft skills over our time together, who now teach those skills to others is an amazing feeling.”

What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned throughout your career?

“Very rarely is any business problem free from some kind of exception. I struggled with this when I first started.

I naturally wanted a cut-and-dry solution to challenges, or for a process to have a binary outcome. Being able to work in the grey is incredibly valuable and often our only option.”

Are there any hobbies or interests outside of work that you’re passionate about?

“Outside of work, I enjoy traveling with my fiancé, hot yoga and cycling.”

In this installment of our “Double Life” series, we meet with Daniel as he tells about his life as a former competitive wakeboarder and his journey to Envoy.

From Wakeboarding to Aviation

It all started when Daniel was coaching wakeboarding in Orlando, Fla. one summer during his freshman year of college. He would regularly run into two men from France practicing their wakeboarding skills and became curious.

Eventually, he asked them how they managed to visit so often, and they revealed that they were commercial pilots and frequently bid for Orlando overnight trips so they could wakeboard. With that new inspiration, he called his student advisor at his college and switched his major to Aviation.

Daniel completed his flight training at Ohio State University after receiving his Commercial Pilot License and becoming an Envoy Cadet.

“I was sold on Envoy’s bases initially,” said Daniel. “The more I learned about the company, I knew Envoy was the place for me. The flow to American Airlines was a big perk, and the growing fleet of Embraer 175 jets was a bonus that made the decision easy.”

Riding the wake

Daniel’s connection to wakeboarding goes beyond just a fun pastime.

“I loved that it gave me an outlet that allowed me to scratch a competitive itch while also expressing myself through my riding,” Daniel said. “Hours spent working toward each new trick on the water gave me the discipline needed to pursue a career in aviation. It showed me the connection between hard work and success when hours practicing translated into contest wins.”

During college, Daniel joined Ohio State’s wakeboarding team and traveled across the country to compete at national levels. The team won four conference titles, and he built a network of friendships and relationships with various brands who sponsored him along the way.

Where the Water Meets the Sky

Now, even as a commercial pilot, wakeboarding continues to be a huge part of Daniel’s life. Whether he’s flying customers across the country or catching air on a wakeboard behind a boat, he’s learned to find balance between his two passions.

“Without wakeboarding, I wouldn’t be who I am today, professionally or otherwise,” Daniel said.

While he enjoys the rewarding feeling of helping customers, especially those new to flying, there’s another aspect of his job that truly excites him – talking to aspiring pilots.

“I had no friends or family in aviation, so I was very much in the dark about how the industry worked,” Daniel said.

Now, he takes pride in offering guidance to future pilots who are navigating the often-confusing path into the aviation world. His knowledgeable advice to aspiring pilots is to simply enjoy the process.

“The aviation industry can seem like a rollercoaster at times, but it’s an incredible ride and worth every bit of the work it takes to get here,” Daniel said. “Just like I did years ago on that lake in Orlando, don’t be afraid to ask questions.”

Thank you to First Officer Daniel Collins for sharing his story with us! Learn more about the Envoy Cadet Program here.

The team needed to raise at least one-thousand dollars to participate in the event. The funds benefited the American Airlines Family Fund that supports American Airlines Group (AAG) employees who need immediate financial assistance following an unforeseen disaster or personal hardship.

Participating in the Charity Jet Pull served a dual purpose – it was an opportunity for the team to engage in a challenge, while also making a meaningful impact by contributing to a fund that directly aids their fellow employees. Congratulations, Team Envoy!

“By sharing our company’s mission at events like this, we not only raise awareness but also honor our veterans by providing them the support they deserve as they transition into new careers,” said Envoy Air Operations Recruitment Manager Kipp Swannie. “Together, we can make pathways to success for those who have served.”

To close out the first night of the convention, Envoy recruiters put on their best Hawaiian shirts to attend the luau-themed scholarship party. During the event, Envoy awarded scholarships to RTAG members Eric Edwards and Chris Howell, recognizing their dedication and commitment to advancing their careers in commercial aviation. This moment celebrated their hard work, and gave Envoy recruiters a chance to show the Company’s ongoing support for military veterans.

“When a scholarship winner gets onstage, I get to see the mix of emotions: surprise, thankfulness, and overwhelming gratitude,” said Envoy Air Operations Recruiter Eve-Ana Ontiveros. “One of the biggest challenges for pilots is paying for their training. It’s a great honor for us to help address this barrier. In doing so, we reaffirm their original dream of flight. They pursued this for a reason, and now we have the opportunity to support that dream together.”At the end of the convention, Envoy Captains Katherine “Kassie” Miller, Jessica Christofersen and Sebastian Sanchez received CJOs to fly for American, marking an exciting new chapter in their careers. As they prepare for this next step, the entire Envoy team is here to support them on their journey toward a bright future at American.

Though the RTAG Convention has been held in Fort Worth, TX for the past three years, it will be moving to Denver, CO in 2025 to further expand the reach and goals of RTAG. We’re looking forward to seeing what next year brings!

View the rest of the photos from the convention here.

“I had the privilege of working with Aixa on Diversity Day at Headquarters,” wrote one nominator. “Aixa is an example of kindness, inclusion, commitment, leadership, and vision. Juggling projects, job duties, and personal matters can be overwhelming to most people, but Aixa has thrived and never loses her smile.”

What inspired you to pursue a career in aviation? Can you tell us about your career path and what led you to your current position?

“My younger self never had working for an airline, or going to school to become an Aircraft Mechanic, on the bingo cards. I wanted to be an auditor for the IRS and be a career civil servant.

So, during a six-month furlough due to government shutdown, I applied to an accounting clerk position, but I feel so much accomplishment and joy with what I do today. I have had amazing leaders that have allowed and encouraged me to grow.”

What do you believe sets your approach to work apart from others?

“I view my approach to work as a new beginning to set goals and continuously improve the quality of work I produce. I challenge myself to stay consistent and motivated with getting results and implementing change.”

Are there any memorable moments or significant milestones in your career that stand out to you?

“My biggest milestone, in a close tie with winning the President’s Award, would be going back to school to obtain my A&P (Airframe & Powerplant) license, which is required to become an Aircraft Mechanic and work on planes.”

What is your favorite part about working at Envoy? What has been the most rewarding aspect of your career so far?

“The people – I get to be an extrovert and mingle with the different work groups, but my top favorite thing is that I actually love what I do.”

What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned throughout your career?

“There is always room to grow, knowledge to acquire, and you can’t be afraid of changes.”

Are there any hobbies or interests outside of work that you’re passionate about?

“I am currently in school to get my A&P, so that consumes a lot of my extracurricular time, but I am a member of the North Texas Women in Aviation chapter. I also try to volunteer for Girls in Aviation Day every year (and even rope in a colleague or two).

I also own a mobile paint- party business that allows me to use my creative side in ways I don’t at work.”

With nearly 800 employees based at Envoy Headquarters in Irving, TX, it’s appropriate for employees to spend time volunteering at this local organization that helps more than 3,600 families every year.

“Spending our morning by doing good alongside members of the very community that so many of our employees call home was such a great experience,” said Envoy Director of Compensation and Benefits Jeanne Edler. “I love events like these because they show how much good can be done in just a few short hours when a group of people work together for the shared goal of uplifting others.”

Though the Envoy team helped send 40 families home with a month’s worth of food each that morning, the team at Irving Cares can always use a hand – whether it’s through volunteering, or donating food or other supplies, there are countless ways to pitch in.

We’re looking forward to the next opportunity to roll up our sleeves and Let Good Take Flight!

View the rest of the photos from the volunteer event here.

At the 2024 Latin Aerospace Industry EXPO, team Envoy was actively engaging with attendees, distributing swag, answering questions, and reviewing resumes from prospective candidates. The event kicked off with a lively welcome reception sponsored by Envoy, where everyone enjoyed an evening dancing before transitioning into a more professional atmosphere for the rest of the expo.

Better Together

“By embracing different backgrounds and experiences, we create a more inclusive environment that not only enhances teamwork, but also drives our industry forward”, said Kipp Swannie, Manager of Air Operations Recruitment at Envoy Air. “Having a diverse workforce, especially with the valuable contributions of the Latino community, strengthens aviation by bringing new ideas and fresh perspectives that help our team grow and soar to new heights”, he added.

The aviation industry is vast, encompassing roles such as Engineers, Technicians, and Mechanics. This year, LPA is evolving to better represent this diversity and they were proud to announce their new identity as Latin Professionals in Aerospace.

Envoy expresses heartfelt gratitude to LPA for hosting an outstanding expo. As proud Platinum Level sponsors, we look forward to supporting and participating in next year’s event, continuing our mission to foster a more inclusive and dynamic aerospace community. Together, we can inspire the next generation and elevate the industry as a whole.

Click here to view more photos from the 2024 EXPO!