As Aviation Job Search proudly celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, we take a moment to reflect on the remarkable evolution of the aviation industry over the past quarter-century. In this insightful piece, Jeff Taylor shares his experiences and observations from 1999—a pivotal year for aviation. Join us as we explore the past and look ahead to the future of aviation through Jeff’s eyes.
What were some key technological advancements in aviation that were emerging in 1999? How did these innovations impact operations?
The change from paper handbooks to electronic handbooks had just started. The same for automation of maintenance manuals for the mechanics. It made finding guidelines/regs a lot easier by searching keywords.
How did airline operations differ in 1999 compared to today? What were some common practices that have since evolved?
Airline ops changed in the fact that it seemed a little more caring back in the day. Seems as if we waited for connections more and there wasn’t such a big hype on D+0 or door closing 10 mins prior to scheduled departure. Agents would try to fill all the seats with Non Revs. Now the finance people run the airline without a care in the world. They won't wait, they under-staff and cut all but the bare min when it comes to the operation.
What was the passenger experience like in 1999? How did in-flight services, seating, and amenities compare to current standards?
American who I worked for was a great airline. Full meals on just about every flight and the FA’s came around a lot more often. Ice Cream Sundaes in first class. Then they started pinching pennies. American saved like a couple million dollars removing olives from salads. The seating was much better. Thicker padding, more leg room and room under seats to stuff bags.
What were the most popular aircraft in use during 1999? Did you have a favourite model, and why?
The 757 was my favourite and still is. The power wagon could do anything and go just about anywhere. It could carry a lot of people and cargo. Now they try to run Hawaii flights with A321 and they have to weight restrict sometimes leaving people stranded because cargo has a higher value.
How would you describe the work culture in aviation during that time? What were the challenges and rewards of working in the industry back then?
Work culture was more family-like. There was genuine care for each other and the passengers. People did their jobs and helped out when needed. Now, people for the most part do the bare minimum and skate by.
How did you get started in aviation, and what was your role in 1999? How has your career evolved since then?
I got started at a very early age as my dad was an American Employee. I grew up non-reving all over the place. I started flying planes when I was 11 years old. I started working for American in 1990 on the ramp. I lightly tossed bags for a couple years and then got into crew scheduling/operations and did that for many years. Because I had a background in flight operations at the airport, I applied for a HR position and was selected. I did HR Functions like HR Rep, HR Training and then HR Compliance.
In 2013 I switched and became a recruiter and I loved it. Telling people they were selected for a position was a thrill and very enjoyable. I recruited ground workers doing front line positions on the ramp and customer service and then switched into Maintenance Tech Ops and Customer Service Management hiring. I then switched companies and began hiring pilots for a cargo airline. ABSOLUTELY LOVED doing this because I can relate to the pilots.
I knew the HR side and used that but also used the Flight Experience and I feel that I slotted better with the flight ops team. Apparently that was right because sadly I was just laid off recently from that job. A couple of the flight ops team members were really disappointed in that decision from HR as they counted on and trusted me with my hiring decisions.
Can you share a memorable experience from your time in aviation in 1999? What made it stand out?
In 1999, American 1420 overran the runway while landing at Little Rock Airport. I was working in the tower that evening and remember when the flight left as they did a swap for another plane as the original plane was delayed in bound. Sadly after several bad decisions, the plane landed and exited the runway and struck runway lights which were in the Arkansas River. This resulted in the deaths of the captain and 8 other passengers.
Looking back, what were your hopes or predictions for the future of aviation when you reflected on 1999? How do you think those have played out?
I had hoped that things would continue to get better and they would get out of the cyclical conditions. It seems as if there were always layoffs every 6-8 years. I wanted to do what I could do to position myself to be “protected” from layoff.
Sadly that didn’t happen. 2001 terrorist events, 2008, 2013, 2020 and 2024 all have had massive effects on the industry and me. I made it through everything until 2020 when covid appeared. I was laid off by American in Jul 2020, and then luckily rehired into the same role in Dec 2021. I left American due to culture changes and work environment on my own and then got on with Atlas Air World Wide. Things were going great right up until October 1, 2024 when I was laid off due to the company going private and then exiting the Amazon flying contract.
I hope to get into another Pilot recruiting or aviation recruiting position as soon as possible.
