United Graduates First Class from Aviate Pilot Academy

United's Aviate Academy is the only flight school operated by a major airline.

Amelia Walsh

Monday, January 30, 2023 at 04:42 PM ET

Verified

United Airlines plans to hire 10,000 new pilots by the end of the decade. [Courtesy: United Airlines]

Key Takeaways:

United Airlines Aviate Academy (UAA), the only flight school operated by a major airline, celebrated its inaugural class of 51 graduates, notably diverse with 39% women and 69% people of color.
UAA is a key investment by United to address the looming pilot shortage, aiming to train 5,000 new pilots by 2030, with a goal of at least half being women or people of color, aligning with United's plan to hire 10,000 pilots this decade.
Graduates from UAA are on an accelerated pathway to become United pilots within approximately six years, contributing to the airline's significant fleet expansion and the broader industry's urgent demand for aviation professionals.

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United Airlines Aviate Academy (UAA), the only flight school operated by a major airline, celebrated its inaugural class of graduates on January 25 at its Goodyear campus in Arizona.

A first of its kind, UAA is a significant investment in creating additional pathways to the flight deck as the airline plans to hire 10,000 new pilots by the end of the decade. Of the 51 graduates, 39 percent were women, 69 percent were people of color, and 84 percent came in with no prior flight experience.