Inmarsat, a leader in global satellite connectivity for the aviation industry, has announced the appointment of Captain Mary I. McMillan as Vice President, Aviation Safety and Operational Services. A 30-year veteran of the aviation industry, Captain McMillan has recorded over 12,000 hours flight time in aircraft ranging from B747, B767 and Airbus 320.
“The appointment of Captain Mary McMillan to head up our aviation safety services is a real coup for Inmarsat,” said Leo Mondale, President, Inmarsat Aviation.“Mary brings a unique combination of airline, air traffic, regulatory, and international aviation experience, which will be of great benefit our partners, airlines and Inmarsat as we continue to see the introduction of new satcom aviation services, driven by an unprecedented investment programme in our aviation business.
“With live trials of SwiftBroadband safety services underway, the continuing roll-out of our world leading GX Aviation satellite constellation and the development of a unique European Aviation Network, Inmarsat Aviation is strengthening its position as the world leader in mobile satellite-based aviation connectivity services.Inmarsat is supporting airlines from flight deck to cabin by enhancing safety and operational capabilities for flight crews and bringing a new dimension to passenger connectivity.”
Prior to joining Inmarsat Aviation, Captain McMillan was Senior Vice President, Aerospace Safety and Environment at Tetra Tech AMT.In this role, Captain McMillan was responsible for the development of safety risk strategies and safety management systems for air navigation service providers, airports and airlines, and subject matter expertise in the area of aviation safety reporting and data analysis.
In parallel with her role at Tetra Tech AMT, Captain McMillan was, from 2010, the independent safety advisor to the Airservices Australia’s Board of Directors, the Canberra-based air navigation services provider.
From 2008 to 2011, Captain McMillan was engaged by CSSI, Inc., a Washington D.C. based engineering, technology and applied research firm, to provide development expertise and support for the creation of the FAA’s Air Traffic Safety Action Program (ATSAP).ATSAP is the largest voluntary safety reporting system in the world and is providing key qualitative safety input to the U. S. National Airspace System.
For almost 20 years, Captain McMillan was a pilot, standards captain and flight operations duty manager with United Airlines.As flight operations duty manager, Captain McMillan was responsible for overall tactical management of flight operations for United’s worldwide system.Additionally, she authored the first edition of the United Airlines Flight Safety Manual.
During her career, Captain McMillan served in a number of capacities for the Airline Pilots Association, International. This included roles as both Chairman of United Airlines Central Air Safety Committee and Chairman of the President’s Aviation Environmental and Energy Task Force.In August 2008, Captain McMillan received a Presidential Citation for developing and fostering ALPA aviation environmental policy at the Airline Pilots Association, International.
