The cost of training to be a pilot is notoriously expensive, but American Airlines is keen for this not to be a barrier to aspiring pilots. The carrier has teamed up with the American Airlines Credit Union to provide additional financing options for students accepted onto its cadet training program.

Since its inception in 2018, nearly 600 cadets have joined the American Airlines Cadet Academy, of which 60 have already graduated from the program.

Upon completion, pilots can interview for a First Officer position at one of American Airlines’ wholly owned regional carriers (Envoy Air, PSA, or Piedmont) before eventually progressing to the mainline carrier itself.

The new financing options will provide more aspiring pilots the unique opportunity to enter the flying profession and go on to be a part of what is the world’s largest airline by passengers carried and fleet size.

Diversifying the pilot profession

Training programs at the American Airlines Cadet Academy cost in the region of $90,000. As part of the dedicated financing program provided by the Credit Union, loans of up to $120,000 will be available in low fixed- and variable-rate options, and are designed to cover all expenses, including housing and stipend costs.

Opening up the profession to a wider demographic is important to American Airlines, and providing suitable financing options to access its Cadet Academy is one way it can achieve this. Christina Flores, Managing Director of Aviation Recruiting and Programs, said,

“Our work to grow and diversify the pilot profession is well underway. A critical part of that effort is our commitment to find more innovative ways to reach young, aspiring aviators and support them, financially and through mentorship, on their path to a career in aviation.”

What do the students say?

Removing some of the financial hurdles for students is undoubtedly a positive thing. Speaking about their experience, Fabiola Sanchez, a graduate of the Cadet Academy and now First Officer at Envoy commented,

“I was able to take out a loan on my own and join a structured program that helped me accomplish all the requirements needed to become an airline pilot and in the shortest amount of time. Without the Cadet Academy and the financing program it offered, it could have easily taken years longer to achieve my dreams.”

The American Airlines Cadet Academy

Launched in 2018, the Cadet Academy partners with CAE (Arizona) and Coast Flight (Texas and California) to provide students with the training, financing, and mentoring opportunities required to become a pilot.

According to American Airlines, the program’s mission is “to bridge the gap between a future pilot’s dreams and reality by connecting prospective pilots with financing opportunities for flight school.”

Other airlines also offering a cadet pilot program include Emirates and Cathay Pacific.

As travel recovers from the pandemic worldwide, industry sources predict the demand for pilots to grow significantly over the coming years, and airlines risk facing pilot shortages. Investing in training and recruitment, and removing some of the financial barriers to aspiring pilots are all crucial to keeping the supply of pilots flowing.

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