United Airlines has announced that the inaugural class of 30 United Aviate Academy students will begin their studies on December 6, at the new flight training academy at Phoenix Goodyear Airport. The first class will complete a rigorous, year-long training programme that sets them up for a career that reflects United’s high standard of professionalism and deep commitment to delivering a safe, caring, dependable and efficient travel experience. United Aviate Academy received more than 7,500 applications from aspiring pilots around the country in less than six months.
After completing their training at the academy, students will build flight and leadership experience while working within the Aviate pilot development ecosystem at partner universities, professional flight training organisations, and United Express carriers, on their way to becoming United pilots.
Following the inaugural class, United Aviate Academy anticipates welcoming between 25 and 50 new students each month and expects to train at least 500 students yearly, with a goal for at least half of those being women or people of colour. United currently expects to hire at least 10,000 pilots by 2030.