Jim B. Ream

James B. "Jim" Ream became Senior Vice President – Operations effective January 1, 2012, and assumed additional responsibility for Flight Operations, Operations Planning & Performance, Operations Finance & Planning, and the Safety, Security and Environmental Departments in addition to his role overseeing Maintenance & Engineering (M&E).

Ream was named Senior Vice President – Maintenance & Engineering in December 2009. 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.