Spirit Airlines Provides Room to Grow for Moritz Conrads

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University profiled one of its alumni to show just what can happen in the span of a few years, showing Moritz “Mo” Conrads where he stands today, a senior maintenance manager at Spirit Airlines.

Beginning his tenure with Spirit in 2016, Conrads cut his teeth as an AMT from the start, showing determination and a supportive attitude as he sought to mentor and recruit fellow techs to the carrier. His efforts have led to him being named a 2023 recipient of the Aircraft Maintenance Technology’s '40 Under 40 Maintenance Professionals Award', thanks to a nomination by his employer.

“My five-year plan keeps getting thrown out the window,” said Conrads. “I would have never believed that I would be where I am now, managing 100 technicians. I feel very honored and thankful. I’m glad AMTs are being recognized for their hard work, and I hope it encourages others.”

Conrads now works out of Orlando International as a senior maintenance manager and recruiter for Spirit. He worked his way up quickly, being put into a supervisory role after 2 years with Spirit. A year after that, he was promoted to line maintenance manager. He shows that to potential recruits to show that grit and stick-to-itiveness is always rewarded. He's still plenty busy, though, working on a Master's degree. His major, "Business Administration in Aviation", is pursued through Embry-Riddle's 'Worldwide Campus'. The school took a moment to plug its remote campus, which allows working stiffs a chance to grind away at their degree alongside their everyday careers.

“I was doing some self-reflecting and looking at future goals, and I decided I was ready for the next challenge,” said Conrads. “Embry-Riddle fits my schedule and allows me to be able to fulfill my daily work duties. The flexibility definitely works in my favor," said Conrads. He's not the only one living the double life, either. Embry's Master's candidates are largely involved in the industry in one form or another. "Other students in the program are also involved in aviation, so we share similar interests and knowledge of the industry, and we can use each other’s strengths. We talk about real-world problems and possible solutions that I can potentially use at work.”

FMI: www.erau.edu