SAE International Honors Airlines for America’s Robert Ireland with the Inaugural Contributor of the Year Award

SAE International announced that aerospace industry veteran Robert Ireland has been awarded with the inaugural SAE International Contributor of the Year Award. Mr. Ireland, who serves as the managing director of engineering and maintenance for Airlines for America, was honored for his ongoing commitment and contributions to the organization and the entire mobility industry. The award, along with recognition for SAE’s entire Contributor of the Year Class, was presented at an awards dinner on Nov. 16, in Las Vegas. 

“For more than 35 years, Bob has been a major influence in the aerospace industry, providing leadership to SAE on the impacts of industry trends and how to navigate the changing landscape,” said Raman Venkatesh, Ph.D., executive vice president and chief operating officer at SAE International. “It is a pleasure to see his hard work recognized and SAE is honored to present him with the inaugural SAE International Contributor of the Year Award.”

Ireland has strengthened SAE’s role in the aerospace sector by engaging industry and government executives to promote the organization and garner support from key stakeholders. As a member of the SAE Foundation’s Board of Trustees, he has helped secure funding for the organization’s STEM education initiatives and collegiate design competitions. He also inspired and laid the foundation for a high-profile, new landmark SAE program – The Executive Academy.

An active SAE Member for more than 35 years, Mr. Ireland served as both vice president-aerospace and treasurer on SAE’s Board of Directors. He also has participated on numerous SAE committees over the past three decades, including as a member of the SAE Aerospace Council since 1998.