Bridging rewarding careers in the City of Bridges: American and Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics announce partnership

• Collaboration supports the growing need for highly skilled aviation maintenance technicians.
• Partnership creates direct connections to hiring opportunities for qualified graduates.
• Students will enjoy engagement opportunities with the airline’s maintenance professionals and tours of maintenance facilities.
• Partnership highlights airline’s continued growth across Pennsylvania.

WEST MIFFLIN, Pennsylvania — American Airlines and Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics (PIA) announced a new partnership today to help prepare the next generation of aviation maintenance technicians (AMTs) and create a direct pathway for qualified graduates to pursue careers at American.

Through the memorandum of understanding, American will provide students in PIA’s Aviation Maintenance Technology program exposure to aviation maintenance careers through engagement opportunities with American’s maintenance professionals, including hands-on tours of the airline’s maintenance facilities. Additionally, top-performing students will receive guaranteed interviews for available positions with American upon graduation and receipt of their FAA Airframe and Powerplant certification, making it easier for students to launch rewarding careers maintaining one of the world’s largest aircraft fleets.

The partnership formalizes an existing relationship with the school, which includes American’s sponsorship of the school’s Pittsburgh team at the 2026 Aerospace Maintenance Council Competition. It also builds on American’s commitment to developing the aviation maintenance workforce and strengthening relationships with schools like PIA that prepare students to become certificated AMTs.

"Meeting the aviation industry's workforce needs requires close collaboration between education and industry," said PIA President and CEO Suzanne Markle. "This agreement with American Airlines strengthens our successful relationship and reinforces our shared commitment to aligning highly skilled aviation maintenance technicians with outstanding career opportunities.”

"Allegheny County is proud to support this partnership between American Airlines and the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics,” said Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato. “This partnership will create opportunities for local residents to pursue highly skilled, good-paying careers in aviation maintenance while helping build the next generation of talent for a key employer in our county. This partnership strengthens the pipeline to great jobs, supports our regional economy and ensures Allegheny County remains a place where both workers and businesses can thrive."

Pittsburgh native Tony Emmi graduated from PIA in 2019 and now works as an AMT at American's Base Maintenance facility in Pittsburgh (Tech Ops – PIT). A second-generation AMT, Emmi is among many PIA graduates who have built careers with American in their hometown.

Candidates interested in joining American’s team can view available opportunities and apply online at jobs.aa.com.

Proud to strengthen Pennsylvania

Today’s announcement is American’s latest investment in the Keystone State. This summer, the airline and its regional carrier partners are serving more than 124 nonstop destinations through 450 peak daily departures from Harrisburg International Airport (MDT), Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport (AVP) — a 6% increase in peak daily departures compared to last year.

American employs more than 700 aviation maintenance professionals at Tech Ops – PIT, including more than 400 AMTs — a 50% increase since 2022. There are nearly 1,400 team members working in Technical Operations across Pennsylvania.

American’s PHL hub serves as the airline’s trans-Atlantic gateway, providing nonstop access to 18 destinations in Europe this summer, including new service to Budapest, Hungary (BUD), and Prague (PRG) that began this year. American’s recent investment in a reimagined schedule structure at PHL is driving improvements in reliability and customer experience.

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 oneworld alliance, whose members serve more than 900 destinations around the globe.

Get the latest about American at news.aa.com and @AmericanAir.

About Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics
Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics (PIA) is a non-profit, career-focused institution offering hands-on aviation training since 1929. Recognized by Forbes as the Top Two-Year Trade School in the nation, PIA is proudly accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) and certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Experienced faculty enhance instruction with real-world scenarios and guide students through hands-on projects endorsed by PIA’s industry partners. Through a wide range of student and graduate services, a nationwide industry network, and a reputation for producing exemplary technicians for nearly a century, PIA graduates have the tools they need to be successful in the exciting world of aviation maintenance. Students attending the main campus in West Mifflin, PA, pursue Associate in Specialized Technology degrees in Aviation Maintenance and/or Aviation Electronics Technology. PIA’s campuses in Youngstown, OH; Hagerstown, MD; and Myrtle Beach, SC, feature targeted Aviation Maintenance diploma and certificate programs. There is open enrollment through the year accompanied with admissions requirements. For more information, call 1-800-444-1440, or visit www.pia.edu.