As proud Presenting Conference Sponsors of WAI, representatives from Envoy attended this year’s event and met with many of the attendees who are looking to start their careers in the world of aviation.

Events such as these aren’t just about recruitment, they’re about community. Conference goers who stopped by the Envoy booth also met with members from two of our internal organizations – the Culture, Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee (CDIAC) and the Women of Envoy (WE). Both groups shared information about the inclusion initiatives and mentorship programs available for the benefit of all Envoy employees.

“The support and growth opportunities provided by WAI for women in aviation is something Envoy is proud to align ourselves with,” said poker online free, Envoy Vice President of Human Resources & Employment Counsel. “This conference is an incredible opportunity for women to meet their industry peers, network and learn together.”

Among the record-number 5,200 attendees were 130 scholarship recipients, including flight students Jessica Matrejek and Kerrie Bourne, and A&P Mechanic student Victoria Fábregas –recipients of three Envoy scholarships.

“This scholarship money will go directly towards my flight training. I’m currently working on my commercial certificate, so these funds will help me stay on pace,” said Kerrie. “Once I graduate and complete my training, my goal is to become an Envoy Cadet while I build my hours and then eventually become a First Officer at Envoy.”

Our scholarship winners weren’t the only ones celebrating – American Airlines also issued Conditional Job Offers (CJOs) at the conference this year, and one of those went to Envoy’s own First Officer Fabiola Sanchez.

With all the excitement and inspiration that was felt at this year’s conference, we’re already looking forward to what next year has in store. We’ll see you in Denver at WAI 2025! Interested in a career in aviation? Check out our Careers page.

Click here to view photos from the WAI 2024 Conference!

What is your Envoy story?

In April, I will celebrate my 25^th anniversary with Envoy! I am the Manager of Crew Scheduling, and my department has about 70 people in it.

I have an amazing management team that runs the operation, making sure all of our flights have the proper crews and we are compliant with FAA regulations.

I oversee the department and my team as a whole. There are a lot of moving parts in Crew Scheduling — never a dull moment!

What is the significance of Women’s History Month to you?

Having spent most of my adult life in the airline industry, I have seen so much growth and opportunity for women develop through the years. I am proud to see more women hold senior leadership positions in our Company. It is inspiring!

Do you have any mentors/women you’ve looked up to throughout your life or career?

I cannot answer this question without mentioning Jane Eastin, Envoy Director of Crew Scheduling. She hired me 25 years ago and has taught me so much through the years!

I hope she is proud of how far I have come and the work that I do for her every day.  I have also looked up to Captain Anne Engle, Envoy DFW Chief Pilot, she is running our largest base and does a stellar job at it! It is a privilege to work with her — what a trailblazer!

One last mention, Kara McKinney, Envoy Senior Vice President of Finance. I remember when she first started with the Company and was a finance analyst for the Systems Operations Control (SOC). She has really paved the way for herself, and those women who will follow in her footsteps!

What are some things you hope to see for women in this industry in the future?

I have watched it slowly develop in the SOC, there are many more women in the room. Not just on the Crew Scheduling side, but also in Dispatch.

It is great to see the landscape changing in my everyday work environment.

Where did you take your favorite non-rev trip and why was it the best?

My favorite non-rev trip would have to be China. China wasn’t really on my radar, but my husband really wanted to go!

He ran a mile on the Great Wall of China (while I lovingly watched). We went to the birthplace of Kung Fu, the Shaolin Temple, and he practiced Kung Fu with the local students.

We also visited the Shanghai Bull, similar to the one on Wall Street in NYC, since my husband is in finance. It wasn’t the trip I would have chosen, but I am so glad we did. Seeing him filled with wonder and joy was worth it!

What is your Envoy story?

I have been with Envoy since 2016. My current role as Shift Manager ensures agents working above and below the wing are in compliance with all safety procedures.

What is the significance of Women’s History Month to you?

It’s uplifting to see how women progressed from past struggles and experiences. Women’s History Month highlights women’s achievements within the workplace and during their daily lives. Additionally, it shows how women fight for gender equality.

Do you have any mentors/women you’ve looked up to throughout your life or career?

I look up to my mom. She’s my idol and persuades me to keep pushing forward in life.

What are some things you hope to see for women in this industry in the future?

I hope to see greater recognition and representation for women in all sectors of society.

Where did you take your favorite non-rev trip and why was it the best?

I love traveling to Puerto Rico, which is my birthplace. It’s beautiful, comforting, and puts me at peace whenever I’m there.

With the challenge of breaking stereotypes and become representatives of Latino and Hispanic aviators, hundreds of aviation enthusiasts and professionals gathered to inspire, network, and pave the way for minorities in the aviation industry.

Show and prove

“I’m close to reaching my dream of becoming an airline pilot because of LPA,” said Ivan Ochoa, Envoy Air Operations Recruiter. “When you meet others who look like you and talk like you, we’re able to talk about how to achieve our dreams together.”

As a full-time recruiter for Envoy, Ivan uses those wages to build flight hours to reach FAA-mandated 1,500 flight hour minimums. He’s currently up to 1,000 hours and hopes to join Envoy soon.

Ivan said that beyond the financial aspects of flight training, he also must navigate any negative stereotypes that unfortunately still happen today.

“As a Hispanic aviator, I want to break the stereotype that we’re just laborers,” Ivan said. “I want to prove that we’re more than that, and it’s my job as a recruiter to help other pilots prove that, too.”

Pass the torch

For more than twenty years, Envoy Ramp Manager Omar Gonzalez has been infatuated with aviation. Growing up near Compton, Calif., he frequently visited the local flight school to meet with the famous Red Tails and other pilots.

“I was privileged at such a young age to soak up all that knowledge and be close to the action,” said Omar, who is currently enrolled in the American Airlines Cadet Academy. “Now, I want to expand my knowledge from the ramp to the flight deck and continue to share what I know with other minorities.”

When asked about what advice he could give to those wishing to enter the aviation industry, he mentioned leaning on community.

“Ask questions about what you’re interested in and get involved,” Omar said. “There is so much insight to be gained if you put yourself out there.”

So, what does it look like to put yourself out there? Envoy Captain Patricia Serrano, that’s who.

¡Échale ganas!

Since 2020, “Patti” has been flying for Envoy on the Embraer 175. Now that she’s upgraded to Captain, she’s beginning to relish her new role before moving on to her next destination as an American Airlines First Officer.

“It’s definitely different in the left seat,” said Patti. “You have more responsibilities and you’re the maker of the environment, meaning you’re in charge of setting the right tone. It’s a challenge but rewarding once you realize how far you’ve come.”

Envoy Pilot Recruitment invited Patti to share her experience with pilot candidates and other attendees interested in joining Envoy.

“It’s important to represent Latina and Hispanic pilots for Envoy because it gives others a chance to see that with hard work, time and commitment, anyone can become a pilot,” Patti said. “I tell them, “¡échale ganas!” which is kind of a generic phrase, but it means more when you go through it and achieve your dreams.”

Thank you to LPA for hosting this fantastic expo — we’re proud to be Platinum Level Sponsors. Looking forward to next year!

Click here to view all the photos from the 2023 LPA Expo!

After announcing the opportunity to win on our social media channels, contestants poured in and 24 lottery winners were selected to take part in this rare opportunity. 

In late 2022, Envoy invested in two new Embraer 170/175 full-motion simulators (SIMs) to support our growing group of pilots with training and qualifications. These state-of-the-art SIMs, housed at the Avenger Flight Group (AFG) facility in Irving, Texas, are the very SIMs our contest winners got to fly. 

“Envoy continues to invest significantly in resources and infrastructure needed to support our Embraer E-Jet fleet, and deliver outstanding service to American’s customers,” said Envoy Senior Vice President of Air Operations Dee Temples. “And what better way to commemorate National Aviation Day than to celebrate that investment with the most enthusiastic av-geeks in the community.” 

When they weren’t in the simulated flight deck, contest winners were touring the AFG facility, getting advice from Envoy pilots, networking with industry leaders and dodging the Texas heat with some snow cones. 

“I’m so thankful for this opportunity – Seeing the training facility helped boost my motivation to accomplish my dreams and goals in aviation,” shared participant and aspiring aviator, Roy Moya. “I look forward to what the future holds, and hopefully, the next time I go to that facility will be as a student!” Thanks to all who celebrated all things aviation with us last week. And thank you to Avenger Flight Group for partnering with us to make this National Aviation Day a memorable one! 

Click here to view photos from National Aviation Day. 

Like many who have made a career out of flying planes at Envoy, Taylor grew up in a family of aviators. His grandfather flew for the U.S. Coast Guard during the Korean War before returning home to work in corporate aviation and to teach Taylor’s father, who was just a high school student at the time, how to fly planes. So naturally, when Taylor’s love of aviation started showing, his father and grandfather were quick to show him the ropes.

“When I started to show an interest in flying around the age of ten, my dad strongly encouraged me to take lessons with my grandpa,” said Taylor. “I eventually got signed off by him when I was in grad school to take my Private Pilot License (PPL) exams.”

Flying isn’t the only thing Taylor came to love at an early age. When he was in elementary school, his music teacher noticed his love of singing and suggested he strengthen that love by taking voice lessons. Taylor spent the rest of his time in elementary school, and eventually middle school, singing in community theaters and setting his sights on bigger stages.

“I auditioned on a whim in seventh grade for a role in Houston Grand Opera’s production of Boris Godunov, a heavy, history drama sung entirely in Russian,” recalled Taylor. “I landed the role, and at age 12 I made my professional debut as Fyodor Godunov, the son of the titular character.”

From that moment forward, Taylor’s pursuit of a life filled with music took off. He studied classical voice and earned Bachelors and Masters degrees in music from Carnegie Mellon University and the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. When he graduated, he moved to Graz, Austria, to perform on a festival contract, then came back to the U.S. to perform in the San Francisco Bay Area.

The sweet sounds of the skies

Despite the passion he held with his career in music, Taylor couldn’t get aviation off his mind and spent every free weekend he had flying a plane, watching them from the ground or volunteering at his local airport information desk.

“I realized that I just couldn’t get enough of aviation,” said Taylor. “When an opportunity to get my Certified Flight Instructor license (CFI) presented itself, I knew I had to take it.”

In April 2019, Taylor refocused his career path to become an Envoy Cadet, and officially started as an Envoy First Officer in August 2021. He was drawn to Envoy not only by the company culture, but by our bases, because they allowed him to continue pursuing his artistic endeavors without giving up his seat in the cockpit.

“Music and flying are nearly identical in my mind. The simulators are your rehearsal and every flight is a performance,” said Taylor. “Aviation was always a big part of my family when I was growing up, but neither my dad nor my grandpa ever had the opportunity to fly for an airline, so getting to carry on that legacy is really special to me.”

Taylor is living proof that you can be passionate about more than one thing, and it’s never too late – or too early – to start pursuing your interests. Way to go, Taylor!

Pursue your passion for aviation at envoypilots.com.

The pursuit of passion

Tomas enrolled in Envoy partner school, ATP, to pursue his passion of flight in 2017 and, once he earned his Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) qualification, he worked as a flight instructor at another Envoy partner school, the University of North Dakota, to work towards the FAA-mandated 1,500 flight hour minimums  necessary to start his career as a commercial airline pilot.

Sometimes, flights get diverted and that’s what happened to Tomas. As he neared his minimums, the unexpected happened with the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Like many others, Tomas found himself facing uncertainty and began to reconsider his passion for flight.

When life hands you lemons, pivot.

In April 2021, Tomas joined Envoy as a Ramp Agent at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) to remain within the realm of aviation. As he went through the training program, his dedication and enthusiasm caught the attention of his supervisor, who recommended that he apply for a Ramp Specialist Position. Heeding their advice, Tomas underwent the interview process and was offered the position on the spot in May 2021.

“This opportunity opened new doors for me and allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of the operations that take place below the wing,” shared Tomas.

While working as a Ramp Specialist, Tomas quickly realized that his passion for flight had not diminished. In September of that year, he applied for a position as a Pilot Recruiter, a role that provided him the opportunity to engage with other aspiring pilots. While being part of the recruitment process was fulfilling, it only made him want to be on the other side of the process that much more.

Never give in, never give up

Despite the challenges faced, Tomas’s unwavering love for aviation persisted and, in March 2023, his dream took flight as he joined Envoy as a First Officer.

“Today, as I reflect on my journey, I can’t help but appreciate the valuable experiences and opportunities that have shaped my aviation career,” shared Tomas. “I am grateful for the opportunities that Envoy has provided me and look forward to continuing my growth as a pilot.”

Interested in becoming a pilot for Envoy? Contact our Pilot Recruitment team at EnvoyPilotRecruitment@aa.com or call 972-374-5607.

“I always had a passion for flying,” Silvia said. “Being a flight attendant has been a great experience. Being in direct contact with our passengers and helping them is one of the best things about this job. I’ve also had the opportunity to be able to build a second family here.”

Flight Attendant, Silvia Matos (left), and her sister, Lead Customer Service Agent, Lucy Matos (right) — both MIA based.

Sister, Sister

Silvia knew that her sister, Lucy, was looking for a new career opportunity, so she recommended that she join the company as well. Lucy Matos, now a Lead Customer Service Agent for our team at Miami International Airport (MIA), was going to follow in her sister’s footsteps and become a flight attendant, but she decided that her skills and past work experience were better suited with the Customer Service team.

“I like working with the Customer Service team because every day is a new challenge,” said Lucy. “I’m always learning new things. There’s an amazing group of people that I work with, and I feel connected to them. I also get to see my sister all the time at work, since we’re based at the same hub, and I hope to one day see my son based here, too.”

Lucy (sixth from left) celebrating her 27th anniversary with the MIA Customer Service team.

The Family that Works Together, Stays Together

In 2022, Lucy’s son, Envoy Captain Nestor Ortiz Matos, rejoined Envoy as a pilot on the Embraer 175 based out of Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW). He was first part of the American Eagle team as a fleet service clerk when he was eighteen years old in Puerto Rico.

Getting his foot in the door with the company was his first step to becoming a pilot, something he knew that he wanted to be since he was about six years old. Learning about the operation from the ground and creating his support system with his family, friends and colleagues were what helped him get to where he is today.

After working on the ramp, it was time to take the next step and build his hours as a pilot by flying cargo in the Caribbean. After that, he joined Seaborne Airlines before getting enough qualifying hours and eventually receiving an offer at Envoy as a Direct-entry Captain (DEC).

Capt. Nestor Ortiz Matos, as a teen, on an American Airlines 727 aircraft.

Nestor’s goal is to transfer to MIA in the future where the change of weather will take him back to his days in the Caribbean. While there, he said that he may find it a bit easier to bid on some flights with his Aunt Silvia as part of his crew, so they can then take his mom Lucy somewhere as one of their passengers. After that, he plans on continuing his career at American Airlines with the flow that Envoy offers.

Want to join the Envoy family? Apply for a Customer Service Agent position, become a Flight Attendant or take seat in the Flight Deck as a Pilot.

Header photos are of MIA Flight Attendant, Silvia Matos (left) and Capt. Nestor Ortiz Matos and his Mom, MIA Lead Customer Service Agent, Lucy Matos, in MIA during Nestor’s Initial Operating Experience (right). All photos are courtesy of the Matos family.

There are a lot of moving parts when it comes to getting new SIMs, and it’s been all hands-on flight deck to make it happen. Part of the process to bring all SIM training to the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) area, Envoy recently received full qualification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for our latest SIM, manufactured by Canadian Aviation Electronics (CAE).

“Moving to a single fleet type with the Embraer 170 and 175 creates a lot of advantages for Envoy, but it also means high demand for our E170 and 175 simulators,” said John Nicks, Envoy Senior Vice President of Corporate Services. “The Flight team did a fabulous job working with CAE and going through all the testing that we needed in order to get them qualified with the FAA. These SIMs are high tech, modern and complicated devices that support some of the best pilot training in the business.”

About the SIMs