Christopher Darr Email & Phone Number

Memphis, Tennessee, United States

Strategic and operational leadership of aircraft maintenance planning organization. Responsible for scheduling and workscoping of all airframe heavy maintenance visits at vendors and FedEx hangars, in order to ensure compliance with maintenance program, engineering orders, airworthiness directives and other tasks. Balances maintenance needs with airline lift demand through management of maintenance allocations. Oversees financial transactions related to airframe maintenance, including capital and expense budget management, invoice audit and processing. Organization conducts wide range of analytical functions including metrics reporting, aircraft conversions cost estimates, fleet scenario financial analysis and maintenance optimization studies. Strategic planning team evaluates Base and Line maintenance activity to balance workload between the two environments and optimize use of manpower, skills, aircraft availability, hangars, tooling, and materiel. Develops strategic plans for Technical Operations.

Greater Memphis Area

Leader of planning and analytics teams for propulsion and components. Responsible for budgeting, financial forecasting, financial analysis, engine removal/maintenance planning, operational scenario development, commercial negotiation support, strategic sourcing analytical support, and other quantitative analysis. Organization consists of two managers and 16 individual contributors.

Greater Memphis Area

Responsible for team of 7 staff analysts supporting engine maintenance and acquisitions for world’s largest cargo airline with over 350 jet aircraft. Team under my leadership was responsible for maintaining optimal serviceable spare engine inventories through engine removal scheduling, shop visit induction planning, financial forecasting, budget management. Led financial analysis for several major commercial negotiations leading to multi-year engine maintenance and spare engine purchase agreements. Hired and trained all staff members. Provided strategic recommendations to Air Operations senior leadership in matters ranging from fleet planning decisions to cost control measures. In 2013 was assigned to build a similar analytical group for aircraft components while continuing to hold engine responsibilities, resulting in expanded workgroup of 14 people. In that role, led reinvention of component expense and capital reporting capabilities and expanded analytics talent pool for department.

Greater Memphis Area

Advanced business analysis responsibilities supporting Propulsion/Base Maintenance VP and Directors. Commercial, financial and technical analysis supporting negotiations with engine maintenance suppliers and manufacturers. Provided critical decision-making support for 2010 reactivation of aircraft parked during 2008-2009 global financial crisis. Conducted educational presentations on engine fleet management methodology to peers, management and suppliers. Continued day-to-day financial management and removal/shop visit planning for FedEx fleet of 1,200+ jet engines.

Greater Memphis Area

Performed all engine removal and shop visit planning, budgeting, financial forecasting and analysis for FedEx jet aircraft fleet consisting of over 1,200 engines and 13 different types. Designed, developed, operated and modified custom engine fleet management tool, used by the airline until 2018, to determine optimal sparing levels, select most economical order of induction based on work scope levels, graphically represent future sparing levels and time-on-wing, and provide detailed financial reports. Supported numerous commercial negotiations which led to reduced maintenance costs. Provided critical analysis to support introduction of Boeing 757 and 777 fleets and retirement of Boeing 727s. Conducted financial analysis supporting engine acquisitions, aircraft purchases and lease returns. Performed similar forecasting/analysis role for airframe heavy maintenance during the first 3 years of this position.

Greater Memphis Area

Reported to VP Aircraft Materiel, providing financial reporting and analysis for department expenses. Developed process for capital budgeting of rotable parts. Supported commercial contract negotiation for component maintenance and replacement, including avionics and wheels/brakes. Provided database reporting/development support to other analysts in department. Department coordinator for major personnel restructuring initiative.

Greater Memphis Area

Designed and developed technology solutions for clients, primarily in logistics industry. Built customized inventory tracking system using MS Access/Visual Basic for Applications. Also developed retail point-of-sale system with integrated inventory tracking. Provided consulting services to assist client in the implementation of a new accounting system.

Greater Memphis Area

Led team of 7 employees responsible for financial and operational management of a multi-site building maintenance service. Worked closely with IT team, consultants and software supplier to customize a leading call center/customer service system and carry out successful implementation. Designed and implemented several new service offerings for customers including snow removal services for a regional chain of gas stations and a overnight aircraft carpet cleaning program for a major US airline.

Greater Memphis Area

Performed financial analysis to support startup of new multi-site facility maintenance service offering. Conducted detailed studies of client maintenance costs to establish baseline. Performed onsite visits of customer locations to assess level of maintenance received, building conditions, and to inventory major equipment including HVAC, refrigeration and kitchen equipment. Built and maintained financial reports of maintenance expenses after transition of clients to our program.

Greater Memphis Area

Developed field accounting tools and processes for large-loss disaster recovery operation. Trained team of field accountants. Performed field accounting duties at several recovery projects. Produced time and expense invoices to present to customers, insurers and claims adjusters. Worked with adjusters to resolve audit issues and collect payment.

Master Of Business Administration - Mba, Business Administration And Management, General, 3.99

Bachelor Of Arts - Ba, City/Urban, Community And Regional Planning