Art Torno, senior vice president of international and cargo at American Airlines, is to retire in April 2017 after 38 years with the company.

According to AA, Torno joined the airline in 1979 as a flight attendant and has held leadership positions such as vice president of New York, vice president of Caribbean and Latin American operations and vice president of Miami.

He was promoted to his current role in 2015.

“During Art’s long career with American, he has helped establish the airline as a leading international carrier,” said Doug Parker, chairman and CEO of AA. “His leadership and vision have been instrumental in supporting our people and strengthening our presence around the world. American Airlines is a better place because of Art Torno, and all of us who have worked with him are better people. We wish him the best in his well-deserved retirement.”

Torno will be replaced by Jim Butler, who has been president of American Airlines Cargo since 2013. Butler will report to Kerry Philipovitch, senior vice president of customer experience.

“As the leader of American Airlines Cargo, Jim understands the importance and the value of our unrivaled international network and the passion and enthusiasm of American’s people around the globe,” said Philipovitch. “Jim’s experience, leadership and commitment make him the ideal leader to build on Art’s legacy of supporting our fantastic global team and delivering the best experience to our international customers, while continuing his efforts to further the growth of our cargo business.”