NWA executive Timothy “Tim” John Rainey

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Nov 17, 2025, 5:35:15 PM (7 days ago) Nov 17

to Pilot Communication Net

~ IN MEMORY ~

NWA executive Timothy “Tim” John Rainey

November 10, 1955 - November 10, 2025

Tim was a good friend to many of the Northwest Airlines pilots – Tim retired as Senior Vice President in 2008.

https://aviator.aero/press/iaero-group-appoints-a-new-ceo/ article dated July 2022 : Prior to joining iAero Airways, Mr. Rainey oversaw operations for two major airlines, including the management of all day-to-day global operations of Northwest Airlines, Inc. During his time at Northwest Airlines, he successfully oversaw a fleet of over 375 airplanes and a group of over 10,000 employees, including over 5,500 pilots, and led multiple initiatives to streamline business operations.

PCN memorial site https://pcnflightwest.blogspot.com/2025/11/nwa-executive-timothy-tim-john-rainey.html

https://obituaries.startribune.com/obituary/timothy-rainey-1093336635

Timothy John Rainey Obituary

Gold Canyon, AZ - Tim Rainey passed away unexpectedly on November 10 (his 70th birthday).

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Betty Rainey (née Burnes), and his beloved puppies Dutchy, Gabriel, Sampson, Sasha, Tasha and Ellie. He is survived by his wife of 42 years Julie, sister Susan (Bob), brother Peter (Stacey) and many nieces and nephews.

Tim earned a degree in business administration from the University of Minnesota, where he played hockey and won the 1974 and 1976 NCAA National Championships under coach Herb Brooks.

He went on to a remarkable career at Northwest Airlines. In the 1990s, during the restructuring of the entire airline industry, his shrewd negotiating set the company up to thrive. He worked his way up to Senior Vice President, overseeing all flight operations until his retirement in 2008.

He was a great golfer and a pivotal member of Hazeltine National Golf Club. He served as club president from 2005 to 2013, playing a guiding role for the 2006 U.S. Amateur, 2002 and 2009 PGA Championships and the 2016 Ryder Cup.

More than his professional successes, Tim was most admirable for his personal integrity. He was trustworthy, supportive, loyal and a straight-shooter—somebody you could trust, even if you were on the other side of the negotiating table. His reserved sense of humor, his kind demeanor around children and unending generosity made him a joy to be around and he is already deeply missed.