Today, we hear from Team OGG with Envoy General Manager Brad Malool who tells us how the team’s communication leads to success and why they want to continue to get better.

What preparations set you up for success?
We focused on thorough training, proactive problem-solving, and consistent performance monitoring to ensure we were well-prepared for success.

What role does communication play in award-winning teamwork?
Clear and open communication ensures everyone is aligned, informed, and able to collaborate effectively, which is crucial for award-winning teamwork.

What advice do you have for other stations to win the award?
My advice is to prioritize your colleagues’ wellbeing, prioritize customer service, maintain strong teamwork and consistently seek feedback to make continuous improvements.

Ready to join the Envoy team? Click here to apply now!

To win the Customer Cup, stations must outshine their peers across many categories. Safety is always number one, but other metrics like on-time departures (D0), turns (T0), baggage handling (MBR) and all-around customer service play a big role in a team’s likelihood to take home this quarterly award.

“We wouldn’t have this award without everything you do to ensure the operation runs well,” said Envoy CMH General Manager Mouctar Diallo during the station’s celebration. “It may show CMH engraved on the Cup but it’s what you’re all doing as a team that earned us that.”

CMH is one of the busiest outstations in our network, with daily flights to BOS, DCA, CLT, DFW, JFK, LGA, MIA, ORD, PHL and PHX. Working together while handling this busy flight schedule is just one of the many reasons why a Cup win is such a great accomplishment for team CMH.

“You guys are doing a fabulous job when it comes to turning aircraft, and that speaks to your discipline and work ethic,” said American CMH General Manager Joseph Edwards. “Because of the size and scope of our operation there are more potential challenges to face, so that makes this win a fantastic earn.”

At the celebration, employees from Envoy and American Airlines got to grab some food from the food truck and take photos with the Cup at a photo booth set up in the breakroom. In between bites and snaps, members of Envoy and American’s leadership teams took time to congratulate and thank the group for their outstanding efforts.

“This success would not be possible without the partnership between not only Envoy and American, but between you all individually,” said Envoy Vice President of Airport Services Planning Kevin Ward. “From the ticket counter to the gate agents to the ramp agents, and everyone in between, your hard work shows and this award is a great way to memorialize that.”

Congratulations, Team CMH – can’t wait to see you take home another win!

Check out more photos from the celebration here.

“The dream for aviation knows no boundaries, and equipping women to be ready to step into roles in our industry is necessary, even today,” said Envoy Air Operations Recruitment Director, Elise Shirey. “By partnering with organizations such as WAI, Envoy is dedicated to opening doors and further increasing female representation within the aviation sector”.

Throughout the event, palpable enthusiasm and fellowship filled the air as more than 4,500 diverse attendees from around the world gathered to build a community, reconnect, and commemorate their achievements. During the three-day event, the Envoy Air Operations Recruitment team connected with hundreds of potential candidates and meeting industry professionals. We even celebrated six Envoy Pilots who received conditional job offers from American Airlines. Congratulations to Gustavia Cartwright, Pietro Marsala, Brystal Mejia, Eric Mejia, Jessica Velasquez and Patricia Serrano!

Here at Envoy, we have thousands of women working in jobs from the flight deck, to handling bags, dispatching flights, and managing our offices. Today and every day, we celebrate the many capable and successful women of the industry and Envoy who are vital to the success of our airline.

Click here to view more photos from #WAI2023

The header photo is of the Air Operations Recruitment team. To contact them, call (972)374-5607 or e-mail EnvoyPilotRecruitment@aa.com.

“Latina Trailblazing Pilots” Panel (left to right): Lt. Col. Olga Custodio (USAFR, RET), Maj Suzanne Crespo (USAFR), Sandra Granados (Flight Engineer, Abbvie, Inc.) and Envoy First Officer Patricia Serrano.

Lt. Col. Olga Custodio (USAFR, RET), America’s first Latina Military and Commercial Airline Pilot moderated the panel. As a Retired American Airlines Captain, she invited women leaders in Military, Commercial and Corporate Aviation to share their valuable experiences for others developing a career in aviation.

Be Bold

The theme of the panel was “Be Bold,” which is a mantra of sorts to encourage women aviators to get out of their comfort zone to achieve their dreams. The panelists spoke about their personal backgrounds, obstacles they’ve had to overcome and they also shared how often they use the Spanish language in their careers each day.

Envoy First Officer, Patricia Serrano, speaking at the “Latina Trailblazing Pilots” panel.

Representation Matters

By participating in events like this, women — especially women of color — help encourage other young women in all aviation career fields. After the panel, members of the audience networked with the panelists, asked questions one on one and took photos with their new heroines.

Envoy was proud to have First Officer Patricia Serrano speak at the panel. Learn more about her diverse background and how she became an Envoy Pilot by viewing the video below — and be sure to click HERE to read more about Envoy’s presence onsite at Oshkosh 2022. We’ll see you next year!

Stated by EAA CEO and Chairman of the Board, Jack Pelton, “2022’s fly in proved to be unlike anything else. We had seven days of nearly perfect weather along with this year’s programs and activities, which brought out people and airplanes in numbers that we haven’t seen before.”

Envoy Maintenance and Pilot recruiters were on-site for the week, “Recruiting the best of aviation talent,” shared Austin Decker, Envoy Air Operations Outreach Manager. “Pilots from around the world gather to enjoy the week-long air show and this is a great opportunity to talk to them about their next steps with Envoy Air and American Airlines.” The team was able to share more about the programs and careers that Envoy offers, and also conducted on-site interviews.

“The Air Operations Recruitment team also hosted a dinner for Envoy Cadets, employees and applicants” continued Austin. “Our Vice President of Flight Operations, Captain Ric Wilson, addressed the crowd and shared the exciting new improvements to Envoy’s pay and quality of life for Pilots.”

Eric Rose, Envoy’s Air Operations Recruitment Manager, said “Our presence representing the maintenance side of Envoy was quite impactful. We were fortunate to have met with a considerable number of vocational schools which improved our overall outreach efforts in recruiting freshly graduated mechanics.” Overall, the team had a great time connecting with the thousands of aviation enthusiasts in attendance at the “World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration”.

Here’s to another successful year! Watch a video of the event below and click HERE to view the gallery of photos from EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2022:

What’s your Envoy story?

I’m a Fleet Service Clerk and I have worked at Envoy for six and a half years. I like the pace that I have here at Envoy, my seniority and I have a good rapport with my work colleagues. I’m comfortable where I’m at and I don’t want to leave!

What are some of your day-to-day responsibilities as a Fleet Service Clerk?

I work down on the ramp offloading bags and collecting some of the suitcases off of inbound flights and delivering them to their connecting flights. So for example, say you are going through DFW Airport and connecting there to go to Nashville, I’ll be the one getting your bag and taking it to your connecting flight.

Any advice for someone interested in becoming a Fleet Service Clerk out on the ramp?

If you want to be a Fleet Service Clerk, you need to be prepared to work outside in all weathers. It can be challenging at times, but it’s still a lot of fun. And if you love to travel, then you need to do it.

What piqued your interest to work for the airline industry?

I actually met somebody who worked for Air France on vacation in Turkey one year, and he told me about the flight benefits and how he traveled the world for next to nothing and it just really got me interested so, I was like, that’s the job for me!

Once you learned about what the aviation industry had to offer, how did you get your start in it?

I’m originally from London, England and I started in aviation in the early 1990s on the ramp at London’s Heathrow Airport (LHR). I was a Crew Chief there and that’s how I got the bug. I then took a break to have a family, moved here to the United States and got back into aviation in 2013. I worked at the ticket counter for American Airlines for a while, but then decided to come down to the ramp. I felt it was a better option for me because I just love being outside with the planes.

What made you want to work at Envoy?

A friend of mine was a Fleet Service Clerk at Envoy and I would see him everyday when I was at the ticket counter and he would always tell me how good it was and how much fun it was, so I decided to make the move and I was hooked. I was back outside with the planes, which is what I love. I love the whole ambience of the airport life in general, but being outside with the planes, that’s where it’s at!

Where do you love to travel to when you use your flight benefits?

I have family back in England, so obviously flying back to England is awesome and getting to sit in First Class is amazing. I’ve also been to Medellin, Colombia — I love Medellin! And I like to do little day trips here and there, you know, like fly to Miami and have lunch and fly back. Go to Nashville, do a couple of museums, have lunch, fly back. Fly out to Los Angeles, do a little bit of plane spotting then fly back. There are a lot of benefits to be had from working for an airline.

Let’s talk #NationalCameraDay now, how did you get your start in plane spotting?

I’ve always been interested in airplanes since I was little, even from about eight years old I was taking pictures of planes. I used to have a little camera of my own and I would take pictures then give the film to my Mom to get developed and I would love to look at those pictures, so it’s been a big obsession of mine ever since.

What type of camera do you use?

I shoot with a Canon SX530 HS. It’s a very basic camera, it’s a hybrid and it gets the job done. It’s small and compact so it’s easy to carry around with me and it takes good pictures, so that’s all I need.

What photography tips and tricks can you share?

Well, I feel like I have a good artistic eye for pictures. You can have the best camera in the world, but if you don’t have the artistic eye, your pictures are never going to be good. And you can take really good pictures with your phone, I use my iPhone a lot and swap between that and my Canon. Whatever I happen to have with me at the time is what I use. I also like to get sunrise and sunset photos (during golden hour) for the best light. At DFW, you can get great sunset photos on the Eastside of the airport — if I can get a takeoff or landing on the Eastside of the airport, I’m a happy bunny because that’s the best lighting over there.

What type of aircraft do you like to shoot with your camera?

I like to get some of the Cargo 747s, because 747 is my thing. I like the Singapore Airlines 747s, Atlas Air is another favorite of mine so whenever they come in, I’ll try and get them. National and of course, the Antonov 124, whenever it came in. That’s always impressive to see. I just love being outside with the planes, that’s my passion.

Plane spotter, AVgeek or not, are you looking for a position out on the ramp? If so, DFW Airport is hiring Fleet Service Clerks! Click here and apply today.

all photos courtesy of Tracy Miller

Envoy’s presence at the conference can be seen in a multitude of ways. While we were there to network and recruit highly qualified talent to the company, we were also there to support future aviators through sponsoring pilot and aircraft mechanic scholarships.

At the conference, and even within Envoy itself, there are so many people at different stages in their careers. Through our scholarships, cadet programs and mentorships, we’re able to create the support and resources young aviators will need to navigate their unique career paths.

Let’s hear from some amazing women we met during this year’s conference, and learn more about their current place in aviation, their inspirations and why organizational support is important to them. In our final installment, we’ll speak to a Cadet from the American Airlines Cadet Academy and an experienced air racer.

Daisy Soto, 26 — American Airlines Cadet Academy and AA Scholarship winner

Daisy Soto thinks miles ahead. She could continue to gain all of her hours at Coast Flight Training in Florida soaring through the blue skies over sandy beaches, but that’s not realistic.

“If I want to be a better pilot, I have to get experience with every kind of weather condition,” Daisy said. “When I’m flying for an airline, the weather isn’t always going to be perfect, so that’s why I want to fly in the northwest.”

Soon, Daisy said she will be on her way to Washington where she will work as a Certified Flight Instructor. Quite the change of scenery indeed. 

As an AA Cadet, Daisy has her choice of which regional airline under the American Airlines Group umbrella at which she would like to begin her career. Not surprisingly, Daisy said she is strongly considering Envoy.

“Envoy has such an awesome fleet of aircraft and they fly some of the best routes in the industry, like to Mexico!” Daisy said. “As a Latina, I would feel great working for a company like Envoy that has such a diverse work environment.”

For now, Daisy will continue to focus on gaining enough hours to become a First Officer, but at the moment, she was just excited to be at the conference.

“When I told people I wanted to be a pilot, they thought I was crazy because they thought it was just for men,” Daisy said. “But being at this conference, there is the support of so many women who mentor and inspire pilots like me.”

That brings us to our next pilot who uses her platform to inspire young women to follow their dreams of flying.

Donna Harris, 62 — Air Race Classic member

Donna Hariss is not an airline pilot, and never will be. Yet, she’s inspired so many women that have gone on to fly commercial jets. 

It all starts on a 2,400-nautical mile, transcontinental, all-woman air race called the Air Race Classic. In teams of three, women and girls —aged anywhere from 16 to 93 years old (a new record)— fly Cessnas and Pipers in a four-day air race.

“The friendships made by these amazing women are the reasons why we race,” Donna said. “At the WAI conference, that same type of fun energy flows all around.”

In the exhibit hall, Donna said she’s run into so many familiar faces who have raced with her in the past.

“I love to see their excitement again when we catch up,” Donna said. “Some of these women started racing little planes when they were young, and now they’re in college or at an airline. It’s like seeing my adopted daughters again, and it makes me proud to see their success.”

That’s what this conference is all about — women inspiring future aviators in any way possible, no matter their position in the industry. From Captain to Cadet, general aviation to commercial; the future of women in aviation continues to soar.

Cover photo: Daisy Soto with two Envoy pilots at the 2022 WAI Conference.

Envoy’s presence at the conference can be seen in a multitude of ways. While we were there to network and recruit highly qualified talent to the company, we were also there to support future aviators through sponsoring pilot and aircraft mechanic scholarships.

At the conference, and even within Envoy itself, there are so many people at different stages in their careers. Through our scholarships, cadet programs and mentorships, we’re able to create the support and resources young aviators will need to navigate their unique career paths.

Let’s hear from some amazing women we met during this year’s conference, and learn more about their current place in aviation, their inspirations and why organizational support is important to them. In our second of three installments, we’ll speak to an Envoy Captain who received a job offer from American at the WAI conference!

Arianna Harris, 27 — Envoy Captain, Embraer 175 

Growing up in Turin, Italy, Arianna said the idea of becoming an American Airlines pilot was not even a thought that crossed anyone’s mind. Yet, since she was a little girl, that’s all she dreamed about.

“People laughed at me when I said I wanted to become an airline pilot,” Arianna said. “Well, I never grew out of it and look at me now!”

Arianna became closer than ever to making that dream come true when she was given a conditional job offer with American Airlines at the conference. Something she said wouldn’t be possible without persistence.

“My advice for any young girl out there is to realize that anything you want to do is possible,” Arianna said. “You just have to be persistent and don’t be afraid to fail.”

With a giant smile on her face, Arianna looks around at all the “amazing” women at the conference networking and getting new jobs of their own. 

“Being here, it’s incredible to see how many women aviators there are,” she said. “We’re strong in numbers, and play key roles all throughout the airline industry not just pilots.”

Congratulations, Captain Harris! Blue skies and tailwinds at American!

Click here to view the gallery of photos from the WAI Conference 2022

Cover photo: Exhibit Hall at the Women in Aviation International Conference. 

Envoy’s presence at the conference can be seen in a multitude of ways. While we were there to network and recruit highly qualified talent to the company, we were also there to support future aviators through sponsoring pilot and aircraft mechanic scholarships.

“Partnering with WAI for these scholarships makes complete sense for Envoy,” says Envoy Vice President of Flight Operations, Captain Ric Wilson. “Our industry relies on a broad range of skills, talent and knowledge to make it work. I’m proud of people like Amber and Arden who plan to make aviation their career.”

At the conference, and even within Envoy itself, there are so many people at different stages in their careers. Through our scholarships, cadet programs and mentorships, we’re able to create the support and resources young aviators will need to navigate their unique career paths.

Let’s hear from some amazing women we met during this year’s conference, and learn more about their current place in aviation, their inspirations and why organizational support is important to them. In our first of three installments, we’ll speak to one of our very own Cadet pilots.

Sarah Mallon, 28 — Envoy Cadet and Certified Flight Instructor at SkyWarrior Pensacola

Sarah used to underestimate herself. That was until she flew an aircraft. 

“The first time I grabbed the airplane’s controls, I thought ‘Dang! Why haven’t I’ve been doing this all along?” Sarah said. 

For three years, Sarah sold insurance and held a salary position. She thought she didn’t have what it took to fly planes, even though it’s all she wanted to do since she was a little girl. 

Her father was an Air Force pilot and flew Boeing 777s for American Airlines, so the inspiration was there, but the fact that she was a woman made her apprehensive. 

“Once I realized that I have so much control flying an aircraft, and that I could accomplish so much with that passion, it gave me confidence that I never had before,” said Sarah. 

With the support of her parents, Sarah said that she took a “scary” head-first dive into her new career path. Once she reached 1,000 hours flying in Connecticut and Florida, she began looking at airlines for a job. 

“I chose the Envoy Cadet Program because of how transparent the whole process was,” Sarah said. “I felt that I could be myself, and even though I came from a non-traditional path to get there, they didn’t treat me any different. I always felt like I was part of the team. Plus, I always wanted to fly for American, so this gives me the best chance to make that dream reality.”

“Real pilots who look just like me.”

With a plan in place for her career, Sarah wanted to spend time at the WAI conference to gain wisdom from the women who have been in her shoes before.

“I know other women pilots through work and it’s nice to have that camaraderie since there are so few of us, but being here at the conference is so exciting because I’ve never seen so many of us,” Sarah said. “It’s so encouraging to learn about work-family balance from real pilots, and hear their stories that sound so much like mine.”

With that in mind, Sarah is eager to share some of her advice for women and young girls who want to create their own career in aviation.

“You have to take the time to be present and enjoy the moment,” she said. “Also, don’t be afraid to ask questions no matter how silly or small they might seem. You never know what wisdom is waiting for you.”

Click here to view the gallery of photos from the WAI Conference 2022

Cover photo: WAI Conference attendees from LeTourneau University at the Envoy Cadet dinner

Envoy Air Inc., the largest wholly owned regional airline subsidiary of American Airlines Group Inc, continues its growth momentum this year as it offers up to $15,000 in bonuses to aspiring aviators who join the Envoy Cadet Program.

With the recent announcement that Envoy will operate three new Embraer E175 aircraft for American, the company’s E175 fleet will grow to over 100 aircraft, with deliveries to be completed by the end of 2022. This growth represents a great opportunity for aspiring pilots to join Envoy and the growing network of American’s largest regional carrier.

As a result of this growth, Envoy is launching an attractive program for existing and new cadets to earn $15,000 in bonuses, earn money while building flight hours, receive an on-boarding bonus, industry-leading training, comprehensive benefits, and free travel. Collectively this new bonus, combined with Envoy’s existing First Officer bonus structure, creates an overall incentive package of $30,000 for joining Envoy as a cadet.

“We’re building upon the strengths of our industry-leading Cadet Program and delivering more value to future pilots with this new bonus structure,” said Capt. Ric Wilson, Envoy’s Vice President of Flight Operations. “It is no secret that we hire the best of the best, and this program will allow us to continue offering the most promising future pilots a golden opportunity to make a smooth transition from the classroom to the flight deck of an Envoy regional jet, with a defined path to fly for American Airlines.”

Envoy promises endless opportunities for pilots to develop their careers and an expanded flight network for a regional airline. In addition to the new E175s that will be added to the fleet, late last year, Envoy operated its first flight from Miami (MIA), its largest regional hub, to South America with E175 service to San Andrés, Colombia (ADZ). Envoy also added MIA service to Chetumal, Mexico (CTM), Dominica (DOM), and Anguilla (AXA). The expansion has continued this year with new service from Austin, Texas (AUS), to Montego Bay, Jamaica (MBJ), and Cozumel, Mexico (CZM). In addition to an attractive bonus, cadets will also have an opportunity to explore new destinations as part of their journey.

Close to 40 leading universities and flight schools have partnered with Envoy’s Cadet Program, including: ATP Flight School, Auburn University, Bridgewater State University, CAE, Coast Flight Training, Cochise College, Cornerstone Aviation, CTI Professional Flight Training, Delaware State University, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Prescott, Florida Institute of Technology, Heritage Flight Academy, Illinois Aviation Academy, L3Harris Flight School, LeTourneau University, Liberty University, McAir Aviation, Northwestern Michigan, Ohio State University, Oklahoma State University, Purdue University, Sky Warrior, Skyborne Aviation, Southeastern Oklahoma State, Southern Illinois University, Thrust Flight, University of Central Missouri, University of Dubuque, University of Nebraska Omaha, University of North Dakota, University of Oklahoma, US Aviation Academy, Utah State University, Utah Valley University and Western Michigan University.

Envoy is currently hiring an average of 30 pilots per month, and eventual flow through to American is guaranteed with no additional interview required. With crew bases located in Dallas/Fort Worth, Chicago and Miami, Envoy pilots enjoy the ease of commuting, an extensive flight network and worldwide travel.

For more information on the Cadet Program and application requirements, visit envoyair.com/cadet-program, contact Envoy Pilot Recruitment at 972-374-5607 or email Envoy.Cadet@aa.com.

About Envoy

Envoy Air Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of American Airlines Group Inc. and operates daily flights to destinations throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Bahamas and Caribbean. The company’s more than 16,000 employees provide regional flight service to American Airlines under the American Eagle brand and ground handling services for many American Airlines Group flights. The company was founded in 1998 as American Eagle Airlines, Inc., following the merger of several smaller regional carriers to create one of the largest regional airlines in the world. Envoy is headquartered in Irving, Texas, with hubs in Dallas/Fort Worth, Chicago, and Miami, with a large ground handling operation in Los Angeles.

Connect with Envoy on Twitter @EnvoyAirCareers, on Instagram @EnvoyAirCareers, and on Facebook at Facebook.com/envoyaircareers and Facebook.com/EnvoyPilotRecruitment.