2022 AMT 40 Under 40 Maintenance Professionals: Uzair Shahid, Sr. Aircraft Maintenance Technician, FedEx Express

Uzair Shahid was born and raised in Pakistan. He started his aviation career as an apprentice with Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) at age 21. His passion for aviation came from his uncle, who was director of maintenance for the airline.

While working for PIA doing line maintenance and engine overhauls, Shahid received recognitions for his work and was promoted to senior technician. He worked on Boeing 777, 747 and 737, and Airbus 310 and 320, as well as ATR 72 and 42. He continued working for the airline while obtaining a bachelor’s from Preston University.

“I like the style of working in aviation industry,” he said. “I have a Bachelor`s in Business Administration but I never liked working a typical office job. I liked something more enthusiastic which I would be proud of doing and working on the planes was something I knew that would be interesting for me.”

After nearly five years in aviation, he immigrated to the United States and immediately obtained his A&P. He began working for Endeavor Air in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where the temperatures were not as hot, quite the opposite, and resources were more plentiful. He worked on CRJs 900/700 & 200 and became run/taxi qualified on those aircraft.

A year and a half later, he started at FedEx Express as an aircraft maintenance technician at the Philadelphia International Airport. Recently he was promoted to senior aircraft maintenance technician. Today he works on Boeing 777, 767 and 757, and Airbus 300 and MD 11/10s. He is systems qualified on the Boeing 777, his favorite aircraft, and is ETOPS, RII, LLM and RVSM qualified on various fleet types at FedEx. Shahid said he likes to learn and has completed the FedEx “Advance into Management" course with the goal of becoming a manager. To help others learn, he, along with other FedEx technicians, completed a quick troubleshooting guide.

Like most who work in aviation, Shahid loves traveling and has already explored 34 states. He especially loves hiking in national parks and trying local cuisine.

He has a drone pilot license and started his own business “Nexity Drone Services,” which specializes in photography and virtual reality tours for real estate companies.

Shahid suggests others consider a career in aviation because it has a lot of jobs available and potential for career advancement.    

“Coming to this country itself is a blessing,” he said. “It’s a great aviation loving country.”