Tom Greif is an innovator in the MRO space, currently serving as director, Technical Operations, Quality Control at United Airlines.
Discussing his work at United, Tom explains, “I feel a tremendous sense of pride working for United and playing a part in everything that we do to unite the world. The ability to board one of the most complex pieces of machinery created by man, fly at a speed of 500 mph at 37,000 ft and land safely at our destination is proof the system we have built is robust and healthy.”
Tom’s colleague Ken Allen of United Airlines says, “Whether it is upholding quality and mitigating risk in maintenance operations or establishing the operational protocol and viability for introducing Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), Tom is ready for the challenge. Tom’s approach to anything quality or compliance is not How can I make this better? but rather How do we make this better?”
This collaborative attitude shines through in Greif’s sentiments, such as his hopes for the future of aircraft maintenance.
Greif says, “We need to continue to foster a culture of industry-wide collaboration to evolve our safety and quality practices. We should never compete on safety nor rest in the pursuit of quality excellence.”
When asked about the accomplishment he’s most proud of, Greif answers, “The most notable accomplishment was leading United’s Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) quality initiatives which resulted in (United being) the first domestic airline to use SAF for regularly scheduled flights, first to complete the longest trans-Atlantic flight powered by SAF and first to complete a domestic flight powered by 100% SAF.”
Allen praises Greif for this achievement, He remains an industry go-to person in this space.”
Greif also offers advice to new professionals entering the aviation industry for the first time. He says, “Commercial aviation was built upon the shoulders of giants, and we have a responsibility to maintain those traditions but continue to evolve for the future. This industry has always been about building and maintaining relationships.”
Greif concludes, “If you are fortunate to have strong mentors early in your career, pay it forward later by mentoring new and upcoming leaders. Operate every day with a sense of pride, ownership and accountability.”
