Delta Air Lines’ TechOps
division has been presented with the 2004 Charles B. Ryan Award for
innovative business practices by Aviation Week & Space Technology.
“We recognize TechOps’ implementation of Lean maintenance in their drive
to be a more efficient, cost-effective and customer-driven maintenance
organization,” said Barry Rosenberg, MRO editorial director and business
editor from Aviation Week & Space Technology at the award ceremony last
night in Atlanta.

The concept of Lean focuses on eliminating wasteful work and material, and
redesigning processes for maximum efficiency. TechOps combines the
practice of Lean with other Six Sigma tools, that enable TechOps to become
a low-cost, higher-quality maintenance provider.

“TechOps’ reputation for safety and quality, along with the flexibility
and productivity of our workforce, give us a critical competitive
advantage,” said Ray Valeika, senior vice president, TechOps. “I’m glad
the hard work of our 10,000 professionals is being recognized by our peers
in the industry.”

The Charles B. Ryan Award recognizes industry-leading companies and
organizations that find new ways to improve operations and service,
profits, products, efficiency and effectiveness, while sustaining or
improving safety and technical proficiency. TechOps is a double-Star
worksite, the highest safety honor awarded by the Occupational Safety and
Health Administration. TechOps also has reduced lost workdays due to
injury by 37 percent since 2002.

TechOps professionals provide maintenance and engineering support services
for Delta’s fleet of 550 aircraft, and more than 120 customers worldwide.
Services range from project engineering to comprehensive turnkey
agreements that provide all aircraft maintenance services.
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