American Airlines dedicated one of its Boeing 777-200 planes to a staff mechanic with the company for 75 years. The dedication occurred at a ceremony at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport.

Azreil “Al” Blackman launched his career with American as a 16-year-old apprentice in the sheet metal shop in 1942, where he earned a salary of $0.50 per hour. His career is recognized as the longest career as an airline mechanic by Guinness World Records. The airplane dedication was a surprise to Blackman.

“Al has worked on nearly every aircraft American has flown since the flying boats of the 1940s to the Boeing 777s of today. His hard work and dedication to train and mentor others and safely maintain our aircraft has made us a better airline,” said Doug Parker, CEO, American Airlines.

The plane features Blackman’s signature and the interior features a design painted in his honor.

“I’m just honored to be here, I’m proud to be a mechanic,” said Blackman at the ceremony. “I’m proud to be part of the American Airlines team. When you like what you do, it’s not work.”