American Airlines' Legendary Mechanic Passes Away At 100 After Record-Breaking 80-Year Career

American Airlines mechanic Azriel “Al” Blackman, a Guinness World Records holder for the longest airline mechanic career, has died at 100. Blackman passed away on the evening of Friday, July 24, after more than 80 years dedicated to a single carrier. Joining American Export Airlines—the predecessor of American Airlines—in 1942 at age 16, he began as an apprentice in the sheet metal shop and eventually worked on nearly every aircraft type the airline operated, ending with the Boeing 777 fleet. American Airlines called him a “true aviation legend,” highlighting his mentorship and professionalism. The industry is also remembering his decades of safety-focused work beyond maintenance.