Richard King never imagined his path would lead to aviation, yet today he serves as one of Unifi’s ambassadors for United Airlines at George Bush Intercontinental Airport. He first built his career in banking, then shifted to construction management in New York City and Houston, overseeing projects for public schools. Twice retired, Richard thought his working days were behind him—until a chance encounter at a gas station led him into aviation.
“I saw a truck with the ABM logo and asked about it,” Richard recalls. “They told me they handled wheelchairs and golf carts at the airport. I thought, ‘I can do that.’ I’ve always liked operational work.”
One of Richard’s favorite parts of being part of the Unifi family is the flight benefits. He’s used them to travel across the U.S. and abroad—to Jamaica, Canada, and Belize, where he jokes, “It’s faster to get to Belize from Houston than it was for me to get from Manhattan to Queens during rush hour.” He’s also returned home to Guyana and is planning a dream trip to Japan, with Mount Fuji at the top of his list.
For many Unifi team members, flight benefits mean more than vacations—they create opportunities to visit loved ones, celebrate milestones, and experience cultures across the globe. Richard encourages coworkers to take advantage of them: “Talk to your colleagues, download the app, and don’t be intimidated. It’s a wonderful opportunity.”
Richard’s journey—from banking halls and construction sites to airport gates and international adventures—shows how flight benefits aren’t just about travel. They’re about connection, discovery, and making memories that last a lifetime.
Richard joined ABM, and when the contract transitioned to Unifi in 2021, he became an “Ambassador.” Today, he’s on special assignment with United Airlines and Unifi, helping shuttle passengers between terminals, making their journeys easier and more enjoyable.
“Flight benefits open up the world,” Richard says. “They let us see new places, connect with our families, and even reconnect with ourselves.”
