Endeavor’s largest maintenance base operates at the busiest airport in the world – Hartsfield Atlanta International Airport (ATL). The 24/7 operational base responds to an average of 70 gate calls each day and completes maintenance tasks on 12 to 15 aircraft each night. With the location’s consistent warm weather and a base full of capable technicians, ATL is ready to help the operation however possible. 

Base Manager Angel Rivera joined Endeavor in 2019 as operations manager in ATL, and he was promoted to base manager in 2022. Angel has over 27 years of aircraft maintenance experience, including 20 years with the U.S. Air Force. Now, he leads the busiest maintenance base in Endeavor’s operation. 

“It’s an honor to run a maintenance base where so much of our operation is occurring,” Angel said. “The technicians do a really great job of maintaining our aircraft and ensuring their reliability for safe travels for our customers.” 

Angel ensures technicians receive well-rounded training during their first several months at Endeavor. They meet with Angel, train 4-5 months with the Designated Station Trainer (DST), and are partnered with a senior mechanic until everyone feels satisfied with their level of work. 

“With every new hire, I have a 1-1 meeting with them to learn more about their background and to discuss my expectations and the company’s expectations,” Angel said. “Each technician is different, and not all of them have a long resume of work experience. It is fulfilling to see their skillsets, maturity, and work ethic grow over the next couple of years.” 

Between in-house classes and opportunities to gain leadership experience, ATL provides many pathways for technicians to continuously develop. 

“We have two instructors at the base that teach classes like BOTs, RII, and EWIS,” Angel said. “We want to be a resource to our technicians, working with them to have a great foundation for the rest of their careers. We hope technicians feel empowered to apply for leadership positions. Even if someone isn’t selected for the role, we encourage them to gain more expertise and provide the resources to develop in different areas like becoming avionics or sheet metal certified.” 

Endeavor’s maintenance bases function slightly differently in their work and capabilities. Some are line maintenance only; others take on modifications or special projects in addition to their maintenance tasks. These are a few capabilities that make Atlanta unique.   

SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE 

ATL completes regularly scheduled maintenance across three shifts, with the bulk of the work accomplished overnight. Scheduled work for the base includes work package completions, clearing minimum equipment lists, and line checks. 

A CHECKS, B CHECKS, AND TAIL MAINTENANCE 

The base accomplishes A and B checks when aircraft reaches the 800- and 4000- hour thresholds. ATL will additionally complete tail maintenance on the aircraft using a two-story tail stand unique to the base.  

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT 

Angel will frequently team up with members of Endeavor’s human resources team to visit career fairs at local technical schools. 

The base is also heavily involved with Endeavor’s largest volunteer event of the year – Bert’s Big Adventure. Technicians not only accomplish routine maintenance on the aircraft being used, but they also help set up decorations and prepare the gate area for the pre-flight celebrations.