Our Leadership

Jim Ream

Senior Vice President – Maintenance and Engineering

James B. “Jim” Ream was hired as Senior Vice President – Maintenance & Engineering in December 2009 and reports to Bob Reding, Executive Vice President – Operations. Ream is responsible for all phases of American Airlines M&E, including base and line maintenance. He has spent his entire career in the airline industry, beginning as a mechanic before joining American’s financial department and progressing through executive roles at Continental Airlines.

Immediately prior to re-joining American, Ream was President & CEO of Express Jet Airlines beginning 2001, having been President & COO of Continental Express Airlines prior to that. Before leading those regional airlines, he held a number of executive positions at Continental Airlines.

Ream began his airline management career in 1987 as a financial analyst with American Airlines. He progressed through the financial department to become Managing Director of Financial Planning and Managing Director of Corporate Purchasing before taking a Vice President position in the finance department of Continental.

Ream’s airline career began as lead aircraft mechanic for six years with Evergreen International Aviation.

Ream holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from San Diego State University and a master’s degree in Business Administration from Northwestern University. He also earned an associate’s degree in Aviation Maintenance, and holds FAA certification as an Airframe/Powerplant Mechanic and as a private pilot.

Bill Cavitt

Vice President – Engineering, Planning and Quality Assurance

Bill Cavitt is Vice President – Engineering, Planning and Quality Assurance in the Maintenance and Engineering department of American Airlines.  Cavitt joined American in August 2008 after 29 years of aviation-related engineering experience including a career in US Naval Aviation and Northrop Grumman Corporation.  Most recently, Cavitt worked with a technical analysis company focused on providing aviation related analytical support to the highest levels in the Department of Defense and Military Service decision makers.

In his new position, Cavitt oversees all engineering functions for the Airline including powerplant, airframe and components, as well as the M&E Quality Assurance/Inspections departments.

Bill Collins

Vice President – Base Maintenance

William J. Collins III was named American Airlines’ Vice President – Base Maintenance, in October 2010. Collins oversees American's maintenance operations at its major repair, overhaul and modification bases at Tulsa, Dallas and Alliance, Texas. The three maintenance bases employ more than 8,800 employees who support a fleet of more than 600 aircraft. Bill is based in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Since 2004, Bill has held leadership positions at GE Aviation, a world-leading provider of commercial and military jet engines and components as well as integrated digital, electric power and mechanical systems for aircraft. Prior to American Airlines, Bill led GE Aviation's Electric Power division, overseeing the development, implementation, and aftermarket support for advanced electric power systems. Prior to that, he was responsible for GE Aviation Systems' Electronics Divisions, leading the organization's electronic manufacturing, supply chain and aftermarket groups.

Bill began his career as an engineering manager for Texas Instruments, creating integrated circuit product designs. He earned a Bachelors of Science in Electrical Engineering from the Rochester Institute of Technology and completed the Kellogg School of Management Executive Development Program at Northwestern University. Bill also holds a Six Sigma Black Belt – Certified in Engineering and Quality Best Practices and a Six Sigma Green Belt – Certified in Sales and Business Development Best Practices. Bill is a member of the Board of Directors with the Tulsa Chamber of Commerce.

Ken Durst

Vice President - Line Maintenance

Ken Durst is Vice President – Line Maintenance for American Airlines with responsibilities for maintenance operations at all domestic and international airports.

Prior to joining American, Durst was an aircraft mechanic for the U.S. Air Force and held management positions at Pioneer Airways and Frontier Airlines.  In 1986, he joined American as a Production Supervisor.  He was promoted to Director of Maintenance for AMR Eagle in Dallas.  He then served as VP of Maintenance for American Eagle Executive Airlines.  In 1995, he transferred back to the Tulsa Maintenance Base as a Production Manager and then promoted to a Managing Director position which led him to become the General Manager of the Tulsa Base.  In April 2008, Durst was named Managing Director Line Maintenance Southwest Division.

Durst was named VP, Line Maintenance in December 2008 and oversees all maintenance operations for all domestic and international airports.