Texas Business reports:  Fort Worth—American Airlines today announced that William Collins will become American's vice president – base maintenance, effective Oct 1.

Collins, who currently serves as vice president of electric power for GE Aviation, will oversee American's maintenance operations at its major repair, overhaul and modification bases that employ more than 8,800 employees who support a fleet of more than 600 aircraft.

Collins will be based in Tulsa, Okla.

Since 2004, Collins has held leadership positions at GE Aviation, a world-leading provider of commercial and military jet engines and components as well as integrated digital, electric power and mechanical systems for aircraft.  Most recently, Collins led GE Aviation's Electric Power division, overseeing the development, implementation and aftermarket support for advanced electric power systems.  Prior to that, he was responsible for GE Aviation Systems' Electronics Divisions, leading the organization's electronic manufacturing, supply chain and aftermarket groups.

"Collins brings nearly 30 years of engineering, aviation and manufacturing experience to the American Airlines Maintenance and Engineering  team," said Jim Ream, American's senior vice president – maintenance & engineering in a prepared statement.  “We will greatly benefit from his vast knowledge of aircraft systems maintenance.  I am confident that under his leadership, American Airlines will continue to shine as a leading maintenance, overhaul and repair provider.”

Collins began his career as an engineering manager for Texas Instruments, creating integrated circuit product designs. He earned a bachelor of science degee in electrical engineering from the Rochester Institute of Technology and completed the Kellogg School of Management Executive Development Program at Northwestern University.