How the United Aviate Academy Is Training the Next Generation of Aviators

United has earned its reputation as a leading airline because of its commitment to safety, service, and choice. And the United Aviate Academy, its Arizona-based flight school, offers these same commitments to aspiring United pilots. 

As the airline industry grapples with a pilot shortage and an aging workforce facing mandatory retirement, it must invest in recruiting and training programs, and in solving the financing challenges of entering the career. To meet the challenge, United plans to hire 10,000 new pilots this decade and train about 5,000 students at the Academy. 

To break down the financial barriers to pursuing an airline pilot career, United and JPMorgan Chase have committed to funding nearly $5 million in scholarships. 

For student pilots at the Academy, the sky’s the limit—literally. The Academy offers a direct path to pilot certification, during which the students will be supported by United’s inclusive culture, receive career guidance and direction from current United pilots, and train with the Cirrus SR20, recognized as one of the most technologically advanced training aircraft. 

After obtaining their private pilot certificate, students will also enter the broader Aviate pilot development program and begin flying for United in as little as five years. The Academy ensures the airline increases its supply of pilots and has greater diversity in its pilot development pipeline – while upholding its world-class safety and training standards. 

Aviate Academy students also gain access to exclusive travel privileges that United employees get to enjoy. Once hired as a First Officer, they will fly throughout the most comprehensive global network of any North American airline carrier. 

United is the only major U.S. airline to own a flight school. To learn more about the United Aviate Academy, visit UnitedAviate.com/academy.