American Airlines targets training, financing for student pilots

American Airlines has kicked off a training and financing programme for would-be pilots, extending efforts to address a looming shortage of aviators. Students selected for the new American Airlines Cadet Academy would train for as long as 18 months at one of three flight schools aligned with the carrier. The students would have an option to obtain financing for the full cost, including room and board, through Discover Financial Services, American Airlines Group said Tuesday. A US pilot shortage is expected to balloon to at least 15,000 positions by 2026, according to a 2016 study by the University of North Dakota’s Aviation Department, as more captains reach mandatory retirement and fewer young people choose aviation as a career. “The lack of financing options has restricted the size of the pilot pool, leaving some of the most talented people out of the running,” said Kimball Stone, American’s VP for flight. Flight-training for a university commercial-aviation major can cost more than $60,000, before room and board.<br/>