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Every day, team members across American Airlines make the operation safer. They solve problems, spot risks, speak up when something doesn’t look right and look out for customers and one another. Most do it without expecting recognition. But each year, American celebrates those whose contributions have made a lasting impact on the airline’s safety culture.
On Aug. 31, 43 team members from across American and its three wholly owned regional carriers were recognized as 2026 Safety Champions during a celebration dinner at the airline’s Robert L. Crandall Campus in Fort Worth, Texas. Honorees represented a wide range of teams and locations, but they all share one thing in common: When they saw an opportunity to make the operation safer, they took action.
We’re proud to spotlight six of this year’s Safety Champions.
Hugo Hernandez Melara, Lead Customer Service Agent, Envoy, Jackson Hole Airport (JAC)
Hugo Hernandez Melara is a humble leader who takes care of his team and prioritizes safety every day.
As a Lead Customer Service Agent, he handles everything that has to do with ground operations. You’ll see him marshaling in an aircraft and helping with baggage, all while ensuring the ramp is safe for the entire team. Working in Jackson Hole, Wyoming (JAC), has its own unique challenges, as weather conditions can change in an instant. What starts as a routine shift can quickly turn into rain, snow and gusty winds.
Hernandez Melara is known for thinking ahead, identifying hazards before they become problems and mentoring new team members in a way that makes safety lessons stick. Supervisors say the operation runs smoother when Hugo is leading, and the team members he trains consistently demonstrate stronger safety awareness and procedural compliance.
“At the end of the day, I just want everyone to go home safe,” Hernandez Melara said.
Learn more about Hugo’s leadership and commitment to safety in this local news story.
Jonathan Rosas Murillo, Fleet Service Crew Chief, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Jonathan Rosas Murillo is a Fleet Service Crew Chief at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), where no two days are ever the same. Whether he’s leading his own crew or supporting another team, safety is always top of mind. That mindset led him to identify a potential hazard involving cargo and freight loading equipment used on widebody aircraft and champion a new warning system designed to help protect both team members and equipment.
Rosas advocated for the installation of a rotating beacon and alarm system to alert nearby team members when the platform was raising or lowering. His idea was ultimately adopted by the entire hub and is making its way to other locations across American.
While the idea may seem simple, Rosas credits the years he spent working in the operation and understanding the challenges frontline team members face every day.
For Rosas, safety is ultimately about taking care of people and making sure he speaks up when he sees something that can be improved.
“Express yourself. There will be somebody who cares,” Rosas said.
Robinson Nunes, Stock Clerk, São Paulo/Guarulhos International Airport (GRU)
As a Stock Clerk supporting Tech Ops at São Paulo/Guarulhos International Airport (GRU), Robinson Nunes helps manage the parts, materials and inventory that keep maintenance operations running smoothly. He understands that success often comes down to helping others. Whether organizing materials, sharing important safety information or supporting team members across the operation, he is always looking for ways to make things work better for the people around him.
His passion for safety extends beyond his day-to-day role. Nunes is an active participant in the workplace safety committee for American’s Brazil operation, where he championed personal protective equipment with improved visibility and creatively repurposed existing resources to expand safety communications across his department. His efforts have made important safety information easier for team members to access and apply in their daily work.
"I can say that seeing the result of an action taken and receiving positive feedback from the team [has] motivated me to keep going,” Nunes said.
Hassan Shahriary, Principal, Navigation and Communication, Robert L. Crandall Campus, Dallas-Fort Worth
During a ride along to Montrose, Colorado (MTJ), Hassan Shahriary observed an updated departure procedure firsthand, helping ensure pilots had the information and guidance needed to operate safely and confidently.
Most pilots don’t meet Hassan Shahriary, but they rely on his work every day. Shahriary supports pilots through technical publications like airport information, manuals, operational advisories and safety communications, helping crews have the accurate information they need for their flights.
His expertise was especially valuable during recent taxiway signage changes at Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT). When discrepancies emerged between airport signage and published information due to a supplier delay, Shahriary worked with multiple stakeholders to develop a mitigation plan and ensure pilots had the most accurate information. His efforts helped maintain both safety and operational reliability.
As a former pilot and flight instructor with 28 years in aviation, Shahriary understands how critical timely information is in the flight deck. His goal is to help crews focus on flying safely and confidently.
“It’s one less thing crews have to think about,” Shahriary said.
Shante Scurry-Sadler, Premium Guest Services Coordinator, Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
As a Premium Guest Services Coordinator in Philadelphia, Shante Scurry-Sadler spends her days working with some of American’s most frequent and high-profile customers. Whether she’s assisting a celebrity, longtime customer or fellow team member, her approach is always the same: Treat people with care, respect and empathy.
After nearly 20 years with American and experience across multiple areas of the operation, Scurry-Sadler uses her knowledge to help create a safer environment for customers and teammates. As co-chair of the local safety committee, she leads awareness efforts, supports team member engagement initiatives and encourages others to be proactive about protecting themselves and one another.
Scurry-Sadler believes creating a safer workplace starts with being present, setting an example and making a positive impact on those around you.
“My intention is to make an impact every day,” Scurry-Sadler said.
AJ Wise, Flight Attendant, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)
For AJ Wise, safety starts with taking care of people. As a flight attendant based out of Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), he has built a reputation for staying alert, speaking up and stepping in when others need support. Whether assisting customers, supporting fellow team members or responding to unexpected situations, Wise believes people feel safe when they know someone is looking for them.
When he’s not 35,000 feet in the air, Wise can be found in the community wearing a different uniform. Wise volunteers as a firefighter, something he began doing during the COVID-19 pandemic. He has also spent time in Colombia through a fire rescue exchange program, responding to calls and supporting the local community. Those experiences have taught him the importance of staying vigilant, adapting to changing situations, and asking one important question: What needs to happen to make it safe?
It’s a mindset he brings with him every flight.
“It comes natural to me and it’s something I really enjoy. If people feel taken care of, they feel safe,” Wise said.