Captain John M. Hale

Captain John M. Hale is a 26-year veteran of American Airlines and a native of Kentucky. He was named Vice President – Flight in July 2010. In this role, he is responsible for American’s 8,500 pilots, the development of policies and procedures to ensure the safe and efficient operation of our aircraft to include our pilot training program and facilities, and advancement of aircraft technologies to ensure AA is equipped to operate in the future air traffic environment.

John had served as the Director of Crew Relations since October 2008. Before that, he was the Director of Flight for the St. Louis pilot base and Chief Pilot at the DFW pilot base.

After graduating from The Olin School of Business at Washington University in 1977, he joined the United States Air Force. He completed his Undergraduate Pilot Training at Reese AFB and flew C141s before serving as an Instructor Pilot on T37s. After active duty, he flew KC-10s at March AFB as a member of the 79th Air Refueling Squadron.

John is the proud father of Sarah, Rachel and Ryan. As a new grandpa he has discovered the joy of grandbabies. John’s wife, Bonnie, is an accomplished artist and writer.