FORT WORTH- American Airlines (AA) is mourning the death of legendary aircraft mechanic Azriel “Al” Blackman, who passed away at the age of 100 after an aviation career that lasted more than 80 years. Based at New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), Blackman became one of the most respected maintenance professionals in airline history.
Blackman spent his entire career with American Airlines and its predecessor, beginning work in 1942 before the jet age and continuing until 2022 at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). His record-breaking service earned global recognition from Guinness World Records and made him an enduring symbol of dedication in commercial aviation.
American Airlines Legendary Mechanic Dies at 100
Azriel “Al” Blackman’s career remains one of the longest and most remarkable in aviation history. He joined American Export Airlines on July 17, 1942, at just 16 years old. The airline later became part of American Airlines, where Blackman would spend the next eight decades.
After graduating from Aviation High School in Manhattan, he required his mother’s permission to begin work because of his age. He started as an apprentice in the sheet metal shop, earning 50 cents per hour while helping maintain aircraft during World War II.
His earliest assignments took place at New York’s LaGuardia Marine Air Terminal, where American Export Airlines operated Sikorsky flying boats. Blackman frequently worked in Flushing Bay, securing seaplanes before they were brought into maintenance hangars. These early experiences marked the beginning of a career that would span nearly every major technological advancement in commercial aviation.
Throughout his time with the airline, Blackman worked on virtually every aircraft type that entered the fleet, from piston-powered aircraft to modern Boeing 777 widebody jets.
Witness to Eight Decades of Aviation Evolution
Few aviation professionals witnessed the industry’s transformation as closely as Blackman.
When he began his career, flying boats and piston-engine aircraft dominated long-distance air travel. Over the following decades, he experienced the arrival of pressurized airliners, the beginning of the jet age, the introduction of widebody aircraft, and eventually the widespread use of long-range twin-engine aircraft.
His final years at American Airlines were spent maintaining Boeing 777 aircraft as an Aviation Maintenance Technician Crew Chief based at New York John F. Kennedy International Airport.
His extensive technical knowledge made him an invaluable mentor for generations of aircraft maintenance technicians. Younger mechanics frequently turned to him for guidance, not only because of his expertise but also because he had firsthand experience with aircraft and maintenance practices that existed long before modern aviation.
Passion for the Job Never Faded
Blackman’s commitment to aviation remained unchanged even in his later years.
Although his official work shift began at 5:00 a.m., colleagues said he often arrived at the maintenance hangar before 3:00 a.m. simply because he enjoyed being around airplanes and fellow mechanics.
He often summarized his philosophy with a simple statement:
“When you like what you do, it’s not work.”
His late wife, Delores, reportedly joked that he was eager to “go to work” and “play with your friends,” reflecting how much he genuinely enjoyed spending time with his coworkers.
That passion became one of the defining characteristics of his extraordinary career.
Guinness World Record and Boeing 777 Tribute
American Airlines formally recognized Blackman’s extraordinary service during his 75th anniversary with the company in 2017.
The airline dedicated a Boeing 777-200, registered N751AN, in his honor. The aircraft featured a commemorative plaque recognizing his achievement as the holder of the longest career as an airline mechanic.
Guinness World Records officials attended the dedication ceremony to officially acknowledge his accomplishment. The aircraft later became widely known among maintenance employees by the nickname “7BK,” a tribute to Blackman’s initials.
American Airlines also arranged for a United States Capitol flag to be flown in his honor, highlighting the national significance of his unprecedented career.
Continued Service Beyond Historic Milestones
Blackman’s achievements did not end after receiving international recognition.
He continued working for another five years and celebrated 80 years of continuous service with American Airlines in 2022.
Very few employees in any industry have remained with a single employer for such a long period. His career stands as one of the most exceptional examples of professional longevity and dedication in commercial aviation.
His service also reflected the dramatic changes in airline maintenance over eight decades, from manually maintaining flying boats during World War II to supporting advanced digital systems on modern long-haul aircraft.
American Airlines Pays Tribute
Following Blackman’s passing on Friday, July 24, American Airlines described him as a true aviation legend whose professionalism, dedication, and mentorship influenced generations of employees.
The airline noted that his legacy extended far beyond aircraft maintenance. His commitment to excellence, willingness to mentor younger technicians, and lifelong passion for aviation made him one of the most admired employees in the company’s history.
Blackman’s life remains closely tied to the history of American Airlines itself. His career traced the evolution of commercial aviation from the era of flying boats to today’s sophisticated long-haul fleet, leaving behind a legacy that few aviation professionals are likely to match.
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