Don Wright
Former Vice President, Maintenance & Engineering
Alaska Airlines
Professional Bio
Since August 2021, Don has led the Seattle-based maintenance and engineering team as they embark on a journey of significant fleet growth and technology innovation. In this role, Don oversees the safety, compliance and operational performance of the airline's mainline Boeing and Airbus fleet and reports to Chief Operating Officer Constance von Muehlen.
Born in Sydney, Australia, Don began his career in aviation as an aircraft maintenance engineer with Qantas before joining Continental Airlines. He worked throughout Asia/Pacific, Europe and Latin America in various technical/leadership roles before moving to Los Angeles as director of technical operations for Continental in 1997. Don continued with the carrier through the merge of Continental and United Airlines in 2010, completing more than 32 years of service and serving as United’s vice president of maintenance operations for his last six years before retiring in 2020.
Don also serves as a Trustee on the Board of Air Camp, a non-profit inspiring students across the country to learn more about STEM using aviation and aerospace as the medium. Don and his family live on Orcas Island, WA.
Born in Sydney, Australia, Don began his career in aviation as an aircraft maintenance engineer with Qantas before joining Continental Airlines. He worked throughout Asia/Pacific, Europe and Latin America in various technical/leadership roles before moving to Los Angeles as director of technical operations for Continental in 1997. Don continued with the carrier through the merge of Continental and United Airlines in 2010, completing more than 32 years of service and serving as United’s vice president of maintenance operations for his last six years before retiring in 2020.
Don also serves as a Trustee on the Board of Air Camp, a non-profit inspiring students across the country to learn more about STEM using aviation and aerospace as the medium. Don and his family live on Orcas Island, WA.
Organization
Parent: Alaska Airlines