United's New Senior VP, Maintenance and Engineering

The official press release from United says Gregory Hall "Brings 18 Years Experience From Hands-on Troubleshooting in the Hanger..." They meant, 'Hangar,' of course; it's just that there are so few people working for United these days, with any aviation experience... The good news is, they have just put someone with that experience into one of the toughest positions in the airline -- or in the airline business, for that matter. We wish Mr. Hall all our best.

United Airlines announced Monday that Gregory Hall has been named senior vice president -- Maintenance and Engineering with overall responsibility for aircraft maintenance. Mr. Hall will be replacing Ron Utecht who, as previously announced, is retiring after a 39-year career with United. Hall will assume his responsibilities at United on May 12, 2003, reporting to Pete McDonald, executive vice president -- Operations.

Since 1988, Greg Hall has worked in a progression of maintenance positions at American Airlines. Most recently, he served as Vice President Line Maintenance, overseeing a $500 million budget, 40 maintenance locations worldwide and 5000 union and non-union employees. Hall reorganized operations and set in motion a plan to improve the airline's overall Department of Transportation ranking. Immediately prior to holding this position, Hall was Vice President, Tulsa Heavy Maintenance Base.

Hall said, "This is a tremendously exciting time to be joining United. Employees and management of the company are working together to establish United as the competitive leader in our industry worldwide. I'm proud to be a part of this productive effort and the stronger enterprise we will be creating for the future."

Prior to American Airlines, Hall was general foreman heavy maintenance for Eastern Airlines and maintenance manager for People's Express Airlines. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical/Aircraft Maintenance Management from Parks College of St. Louis University (MO), and holds a FAA Airframe and Powerplant License. Hall, 42, is a veteran of the U.S. Army and is married with two children.

FMI: www.united.com