Alaska Airlines names new vice president of maintenance and engineering

Rhea-AI Summary

Alaska Airlines has appointed John Wiitala as the new vice president of maintenance and engineering. Wiitala brings over 34 years of airline experience, most recently serving as vice president and chief engineer of tech operations, safety, and compliance at United Airlines.

Wiitala will oversee the maintenance of Alaska's fleet of 237 Boeing aircraft, focusing on safety and compliance. His responsibilities include line maintenance operations, airframe and engine maintenance, quality assurance, and fleet projects.

At United, Wiitala expanded operations from under 450 to 944 aircraft and played a key role in the United-Continental merger. Alaska Airlines' executive vice president Constance von Muehlen praised Wiitala's expertise and leadership as the airline aims to become a global carrier.

Alaska Air Group, the parent company, includes subsidiaries Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Holdings, Horizon Air, and McGee Air Services. The recent acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines expands their service to over 140 destinations. Alaska Airlines is a member of the oneworld Alliance, offering extensive travel options through 30 airlines and over 1,000 destinations globally. Alaska Air Group's stock symbol on NYSE is ALK.

Positive

• Appointment of John Wiitala with 34 years of airline experience to lead maintenance and engineering.
• Wiitala's role includes overseeing safety and compliance for 237 Boeing aircraft.
• Expansion of Alaska Airlines' service to over 140 destinations through the acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines.

Negative

• None

Executive John Wiitala joins Alaska with more than 34 years of airline experience

SEATTLE, Jan. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Alaska Airlines has named John Wiitala as its new vice president of maintenance and engineering. In this principal leadership role, Wiitala will lead professionals throughout the division who maintain the highest levels of safety and compliance with more than 237 mainline Boeing aircraft across multiple maintenance bases.

Wiitala joins Alaska after 34 years with United Airlines, most recently as vice president and chief engineer of tech operations, safety and compliance, where he was responsible for the United fleet. Prior to that role, he was vice president of technical services. Wiitala joined United in 1992 and held other engineering jobs throughout the organization including director of engineering and managing director of project engineering.  

His responsibilities at Alaska will include line maintenance operations; maintenance of airframes, components and engines; stores and distribution; quality assurance; maintenance planning; engineering and reliability; and fleet projects.   

Among his accomplishments at United, he expanded the scope of operations of the airline, which grew from under 450 aircraft to 944. He was on board during the United-Continental merger, helping the airline successfully navigate integration and grow its multi-fleet operations.   

"With over three decades in technical operations' leadership roles to include both narrow and widebody aircraft, I welcome John's expertise, leadership and vision as Alaska becomes a global airline," said Constance von Muehlen, executive vice president and chief operating officer at Alaska Airlines. "John will lead our team to uphold the highest standards of safety, quality and compliance for Alaska's fleet while combining operations with Hawaiian Airlines." 

Wiitala began his aviation career in 1988 in project engineering at Aircraft Modular Products in Miami. He holds a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Iowa and has served on the board of Argonaut/Davis High School, a Cleveland-based school that empowers youth to pursue pilot and technician certifications.   

About Alaska Air Group
Alaska Air Group, Inc. is based in Seattle and comprised of subsidiaries Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Holdings, Inc., Horizon Air and McGee Air Services. With our recent acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines, we now serve more than 140 destinations throughout North America, Central America, Asia and the Pacific. We are committed to safety, remarkable customer care, operational excellence, financial performance and sustainability. Alaska Airlines is a member of the oneworld Alliance. With oneworld and our additional global partners, our guests have more choices than ever to purchase, earn or redeem on alaskaair.com across 30 airlines and more than 1,000 worldwide destinations. Book travel throughout the Pacific on Hawaiian Airlines at hawaiianairlines.com. Learn more about Alaska Airlines at news.alaskaair.com and Hawaiian Airlines at newsroom.hawaiianairlines.com/blog. Alaska Air Group is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) as "ALK."

 

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SOURCE ALASKA AIRLINES

FAQ

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

John Wiitala has been appointed as the new vice president of maintenance and engineering at Alaska Airlines.

What experience does John Wiitala bring to Alaska Airlines?

John Wiitala has over 34 years of airline experience, most recently as vice president and chief engineer of tech operations, safety, and compliance at United Airlines.

What will John Wiitala oversee at Alaska Airlines?

John Wiitala will oversee maintenance operations, airframe and engine maintenance, quality assurance, and fleet projects for Alaska Airlines' 237 Boeing aircraft.

How many destinations does Alaska Airlines now serve after acquiring Hawaiian Airlines?

Alaska Airlines, including its subsidiaries, now serves over 140 destinations throughout North America, Central America, Asia, and the Pacific.

What is Alaska Air Group's stock symbol on the NYSE?

Alaska Air Group is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the stock symbol ALK.