James B. Ream

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

Ream was named Senior Vice President – M&E 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 and COO of Continental Express Airlines prior to that.

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.