Carmine Romano Retiring

[commavia]

I, too, find it a bit surprising that people complain relentlessly about the ineptitude and failings of present management, but some are also so opposed to new blood coming in (even if it's really "old" blood from 15 years ago).

Plus - honestly - Ream is an excellent choice. AA is lucky to have gotten him back. He's incredibly smart and well-respected within the industry, plus he is actually a good guy from what I've heard from people who used to work with him at AA back in the early 1990s. From what I've heard, in fact, one of the reasons he left was because of his refusal to go along with some of the unethical B.S. of another executive at the company who shall remain nameless (and who, sadly enough, still works at AA). Nonetheless, anything I've ever heard about him and how he treats people has been glowing - and I think we can all agree that that is a skill that AA could afford to invest a little more in with new executive talent.

I - personally - see this is a stepping stone to CEO. Ream is already well-experienced at actually running a full-scale airline operation - regional, but nonetheless still a substantially-sized, nation-wide (and even somewhat international) airline. I think they're putting him in M&E right now because it happens to be the only high-level slot open at the moment and they want to get him now, plus it's also probably a good way to give him a little more detailed exposure to an area outside his historical experience (his background is more in finance and operations). I don't myself envision Horton being Arpey's successor, and definitely not Garton. And who does that leave in the stable to take over when Arpey leaves? I think we now have our answer.

 

[DFWTWU]

http://startelegram.typepad.com/sky_talk/2...retirement.html

 

[Rogallo]

Remarks from John M. Conley, director of the TWU Air Transport Division:

"Carmine Romano has been a critical link in developing and maintaining a cooperative relationship between American and TWU maintenance professionals. Largely because of this relationship, American and the TWU have produced award-winning results and received recognition, while successfully defending the craft and class against the outsourcing trend that has pervaded our industry. Carmine’s leadership, respect for our members, and commitment to continuous improvement have been integral to the preservation of American jobs. We thank him for his dedication and professionalism, and wish him a happy and healthy retirement.


The TWU makes me sick

 

[Rogallo]

Additionally, the TWU welcomes Jim Ream, as Senior Vice President of Maintenance & Engineering, who is taking over for Carmine on January 1st. In the coming months, we anticipate forging a strong working relationship with Jim that builds on the one shared over the past several years on Carmine’s watch, one that will continue to put American jobs first."


Who's first with the kneepads???

 

[Birdman]

Remarks from John M. Conley, director of the TWU Air Transport Division:

"Carmine Romano has been a critical link in developing and maintaining a cooperative relationship between American and TWU maintenance professionals. Largely because of this relationship, American and the TWU have produced award-winning results and received recognition, while successfully defending the craft and class against the outsourcing trend that has pervaded our industry. Carmine’s leadership, respect for our members, and commitment to continuous improvement have been integral to the preservation of American jobs.

COLLECTIVELY COSTING BILLION'S OF DOLLARS IN LOST WAGES, WEEKS OF EARNED VACATION AND HOLIDAYS, AND OF LEAST IMPORTANCE, EMPLOYEE MORALE. :angry:

 

[TWU informer]

The TWU is just as much part of the problem as the inept management. They protect each other while we watch the ship sink.

 

[Tex-Mech]

You would think in the so-called spirit of working together that Conley talked about, that since AA has gotten rid of two big dogs in Cleveland and Romano, we get to rid ourselves of two twu big dogs. Tough to pick just two of them.

Alright I'll wake up from that dream. <_<

 

[Delta Technician]

American Airlines today announced that James Ream, President and CEO of ExpressJet, will become American's Senior Vice President of Maintenance & Engineering, effective Jan. 1. Ream succeeds Carmine Romano, who is retiring after 41 years with American Airlines.

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/American-Air...ml?x=0&.v=1

Hopefully he's maintenance friendly????

Isn't express Jet a company who is out to contract flight crews and routes? Be very afraid!

 

[The Goose]

I don't really get it I guess.

We have complained relentlessly about the inept
... snip

Let me try to say it another way -

There is a much better chance that there are changes of SOME SORT on the way after Romano's departure but I find it rather difficult to believe any person would be hired from another airline (even after having worked for American previously) and turned loose by the BOD to fix problems at American as seen fit in order for the company to live up to its true potential. The Board hired him - does anyone really believe a new day is dawning for TULE? Show me.

I also find it hard to believe the BOD would do anything to anger their "Golden Bean-Counter Boys" in the top spots, let alone groom Ream to replace Arpey as someone had implied in another post.

I'm definitely open to any real and constructive changes this guy would like to make at the Tulsa base but - the people in Tulsa have been fooled before and many would demand a show of good faith from management for anything positive to move forward. I really want to see something positive for Tulsa and will be watching with an open mind but - I am afraid it's going to be simply more of the same old crap from a new face. Show me different.

The Board of Directors is pretty much the same group that put on the "Don Carty Dog and Pony Show" for our benefit, allowing for some drama to be added. We were allowed to think we won a battle but in reality, I believe Carty's departure was planned and the showmanship added for the rank and file's "benefit". We won nothing, but lost a helluva lot.

Even though I will watch the company's actions with an open mind, there's much baggage for the company to overcome if they've any intent to regain credibility with its workers.

The company can show their sincerity to the workers they've lied to for six years and atone for their past packs of multiple and continuous lies or they can take three running jumps and go straight to hell - a rather simple choice.

 

[BigMac]

Two AA big dogs retiring around the same time Tulsa mayor Kathy Taylor retires... <_<
Is this the Titanic part deaux ?

 

[Bob Owens]

Too many of the "good ol' boys" in TUL get used to the way things happen, which I'll agree is why M&E is screwed up.

When I walk into my parent's house, I wonder why they keep the same carpet, dark paneling, wallpaper etc. they had since the early 1970's.

Fact is they have gotten used to it, sorta like Carmine and the "good ol' boys" looking at all the inefficiencies in TUL.

If we bought my parents' house, I've redesigned it in my head a dozen times, mainly to bring in features I've had in houses I've owned in the past 20 years. The paneling and carpet should have been replaced years ago...


Ream's an outsider from most people's point of view, but he was also a VP under Crandall if you bothered to read his resume.

The fact he has both internal and external points of view as a positive.

Maybe they kept it because they figure it still serves its original purpose and it doesnt cost them anything. Maybe you just want them to update it so when they die you can get more money from selling it? If they are comfortable with it and it serves their purpose why not just let it be? Maybe its a choice of cosmetic updates for the house or paying for prescriptions? "Hey Dad dont waste money on that Lipitor or Viagra, replace that carpeting instead." We see AA doing cosmetic updates all over the system while telling us that there's no money to pay us. Even trivial things like new desks, new clocks on the wall, landscaping and painting, these things add up to millions, then they claim they cant give us raises. We see the company burning cash all over the place, then they say "If we dont use whats in the budget then they will take it away, thats why we are pissing it away". Do they really expect us to believe that?

Ream replacing Romano? From where I'm sitting I dont know what to expect other than more of the same but I'm willing to hear him out.

 

[The Goose]

I've not heard the words "Good Riddance" yet from anyone - allow me to be the first ...

 

[Tbag]

Looks like Romano is hanging it up and will be replaced by Jim Ream, current CEO of Express Jet.

"His aviation career began with his time serving in the U.S. Army as a helicopter mechanic and crew chief and a lead aircraft mechanic for Evergreen International. He earned an associate of science degree in Aviation Maintenance and holds FAA certificates as an Airframe & Powerplant mechanic as well as a private pilot. He also holds a bachelor of science degree in Operations Management from San Diego State University and a master’s in Business Administration from Northwestern University."

... more outsiders coming to herd the cats.

 

[BigMac]

Come by hangar 6A break room Goose. It's been written on the posted "farewell" letter for days.
GOOD RIDDANCE !!

 

[Tbag]

What exactly does this move tell us about AA upper management.. What is the message here?

It’s quite clear..

Most of the time you work through the ranks to achieve the pinnacle of your career.. Usually when a VP retires, a subordinate fills the position that has the knowledge and experience of the operation…

Since this is not the case.. I’d say AArpey and friends have indicated a lack of confidence in the management of Aircraft Maintenance to solve the current problems.. So lets bring in an outsider to tackle the task…

Why hell!!! Lets hire a few more consulting groups too since management can’t quite figure it out..

It sure worked for AArpee last time didnt it? ROF