Former American Airlines CEO Doug Parker is making headlines again, but this time he’s not explaining quarterly earnings reports on CNBC. Instead, the decorated airline executive is looking to attract the next generation of aviation professionals with a new charity. As the pilot shortage cloud continues to loom over the commercial aviation sector, Parker is particularly focusing his charity’s work on garnering interest from a diverse pool of next-generation professional aviators.
Called Breaking Down Barriers, the newly minted nonprofit will be helmed by Parker, his wife Gwen—a former American flight attendant—and Dana Donati, who recently led United Airlines’ Aviate Academy near Phoenix. At its core, they say the new charity’s goal is to foster interest, mentorship, and career development for individuals otherwise underrepresented in the aviation sector.
