American Airlines dedicates Boeing 777 to 91-year-old mechanic for 75 years of service

After 75 years with American Airlines, Azreil “Al” Blackman says he isn't thinking about retirement. "That's not my style," he said. Based out of New York City his entire career, the 91-year-old aviation maintenance technician started off making 50 cents an hour as an apprentice in the sheet metal shop, when American was known as American Export Airlines. Since then, Blackman has worked on some of aviation's most storied aircraft, from the Sikorsky flying boat that kicked off American's trans-Atlantic service, to the original jumbo jet, the Boeing 747. The former US Navy service member has dedicated his life to American Airlines aircraft. On Tuesday, his long-time employer returned the favor. At a ceremony at John F. Kennedy International Airport, a curtain dropped to reveal a Boeing 777 dedicated to his 75 years of service. The aircraft is capable of holding at least 247 people and flying American Airlines' longest routes. For the remainder of the jet's life at American Airlines, his name and signature will be inscribed to the left of the aircraft's main cabin door. Guinness World Records also awarded Blackman with the title of "Longest career as an airline mechanic." At the Tuesday ceremony the New York native climbed into the jet -- before it makes its inaugural trip to London Wednesday sporting its new paint job -- and received a sky-high tour of his hometown. Blackman says he has no plans to retire from his work any time soon.<br/>