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- American Airlines and Aviation Institute of Maintenance’s
Charlotte campus formalize existing relationship, expanding pathways to
rewarding aviation maintenance careers across the Charlotte community, with
opportunities for students and airport employees at Charlotte Douglas
International Airport (CLT).
- American is offering thousands of dollars in tuition support to
CLT airport workers, regardless of employer.
- American is funding $25,000 in scholarships to Charlotte-area
high school students enrolled in AIM’s dual credit program.
- The partnership is the latest investment in Charlotte, where
16,500 team members are based.
CHARLOTTE, North Carolina — American Airlines today announced a
new partnership with the Aviation Institute of Maintenance (AIM) Charlotte
campus, creating new pathways for Charlotte airport workers and students to
access rewarding careers in aviation maintenance. American will also offer
scholarships to students enrolled in AIM’s dual credit Aviation Maintenance
Technician (AMT) program, and AIM is offering tuition assistance to anyone
working at Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT), regardless of their
employer.
"Partnerships like this are essential to building the future of
aviation maintenance," said American's Senior Vice President of Technical
Operations John Bendoraitis. "AIM has a strong reputation for preparing
students for successful careers as aviation maintenance technicians, and we’re
proud to partner with them to provide students with hands-on industry exposure,
meaningful networking opportunities and a direct pathway to rewarding careers
with American. By investing in future talent today, we're helping ensure a
strong pipeline of skilled technicians that will keep our industry moving
forward for years to come and provide people with rewarding
careers."
"AIM has been part of the Charlotte community since 2019, and
we’re proud of the relationships we’ve built here,” AIM Chief Executive Officer
Jason Pfaff said. “Our partnership with American Airlines and its affiliated
partners has helped more than 100 AIM graduates launch careers in aviation. We
value that partnership and the opportunity to keep building the aviation
workforce."
American has been working closely with AIM
campuses for years, inspiring future aircraft mechanics. In 2022, AIM and
American
announced a formal partnership with the school’s Chicago
campus. Students at the school continue enjoying engagement opportunities with
American’s team of aviation maintenance professionals and guaranteed interviews
for open positions at the airline.
Impactful new partnership extends across the Charlotte
community
The new partnership is built on three components:
- Classroom to hangar: AIM students will gain a pathway to
career opportunities at American through mentorship with CLT-based AMTs,
access to the airline’s maintenance facilities and guaranteed interviews for
top-performing students upon graduation and receipt of their FAA Airframe and
Powerplant certification.
- Scholarships: American is helping Charlotte-area students in
their journey to become aviation maintenance technicians by funding $25,000
in scholarships for graduating seniors enrolled in the dual credit AMT
program at AIM – Charlotte.
- Tuition support: American and AIM also unveiled a 10% tuition
discount for anyone who works at CLT, regardless of employer, saving airport
workers an average of $5,000 over the course of their education. As the only
Part 147 aviation maintenance school in the Charlotte region, this financial
assistance will support those already working across the airport — from cabin
cleaners and fuelers to wheelchair handlers and more — to gain specialized
training and take the next step in their careers.
Rewarding careers in aviation maintenance
Across the globe, nearly 11,000 highly skilled FAA-licensed
AMTs keep the airline’s fleet flying safely and reliably. Aviation maintenance
offers an exciting, rewarding career that combines cutting edge technology with
hands-on problem solving. While an FAA Airframe and Powerplant certificate is
required to work as an AMT, a four-year college degree is not.
Aspiring AMTs study for 18-24 months at an FAA-certified
aviation maintenance technician school, like AIM, and pass exams to receive
their FAA license. As the industry faces growing demand for AMTs, this
partnership plays a critical role in building the workforce of the future — and
American’s dedicated AMTs will pass down their expertise, skill and real-world
experience to the next generation helping power the safety of
flight.
Dedicated to job creation across the region
CLT is home to American's second-largest hub and 16,500 team
members who power the operation. The airline also has a major Technical
Operations presence, including base and line maintenance operations and 800
FAA-licensed AMTs across thousands of flights at CLT. Two of American’s wholly
owned regional subsidiaries, Piedmont Airlines and PSA Airlines, also employ
hundreds of AMTs at CLT.
American is committed to supporting economic opportunity in
Charlotte and continues to invest in workforce development programs that
connect residents with careers in aviation. American's Charlotte-area
initiatives include partnerships with educational institutions and community
organizations focused on building awareness of aviation careers and creating
opportunities for future technicians, pilots and aviation
professionals.
"At Charlotte Douglas International Airport, we believe access
to training creates access to opportunity,” said CLT Chief People Officer
Natasha Jefferies. “The collaboration between American Airlines and Aviation
Institute of Maintenance will help
airport workers advance their careers, support local students pursuing
aviation maintenance training, and create new pathways to long-term
economic mobility. It's the kind of workforce investment that strengthens
our airport, grows the talent pipeline, and expands opportunity across
our community."
American's hub at CLT helps to support nearly 150,000 jobs
across North Carolina offering global connectivity, as well as a
thriving workforce that continues to attract other companies to
the state. This year, PSA Airlines relocated its headquarters to Charlotte,
supporting more than 400 new jobs to the area and generating $10 million in
state and local tax revenue every year.
American’s impact across North Carolina
American is one of the biggest economic engines in
North Carolina with its CLT hub contributing more than $30
billion to the state’s economy, according to a recent economic impact study conducted by researchers at North
Carolina State University. Statewide, American operates more than 800 daily
departures and serves nine airports across North Carolina with
service to more than 40 international destinations helping to develop the
Tar Heel state as a global connecting point. In addition to air service,
visitor spending also contributes to the state’s economic impact from
revenue generated through airport parking and concessions.
About American Airlines Group (NASDAQ: AAL)
American Airlines is a premium global airline connecting more of
the U.S. to the world. With roots tracing back to an air mail carrier in the
Midwestern United States in 1926, American now operates more than 6,000 daily
flights to more than 350 destinations in more than 60 countries and serves more
than 200 million customers annually. Powered by a proud and talented team of
130,000 aviation professionals, American’s team lives out the airline’s purpose
of caring for people on life’s journey every day.
The world’s largest airline proudly celebrates its centennial
year in 2026, reaching a milestone that reflects a century of innovation and
the Forever Forward℠ spirit that changed the industry and the world. American
introduced the first scheduled air cargo service, the first airport lounge and
the first airline loyalty program and continues to reinvent the customer
experience today. The airline is also a founding member of the
one world alliance, whose members serve more than 900
destinations around the globe.
Get the latest about American at news.aa.com and @AmericanAir.
About the Aviation Institute of Maintenance
The Aviation Institute of Maintenance (AIM) is a leading
provider of aviation maintenance training, preparing students for careers that
keep the world in flight. With campuses across the United States, AIM offers
hands-on training in aircraft maintenance and is committed to building a
skilled, diverse workforce ready to meet the demands of the aviation
industry.