American Airlines’ new pilot program attracts more than 2,000 applicants

American Airlines has more than 2,000 applicants for its just-launched Cadet Academy pilot pipeline programme, and plans to accept 200 candidates this year. The programme, launched in April, gives aspiring pilots a slot to train at one of American’s three flight schools for up to 18 months. The next step would be the chance to join one of American’s regional subsidiaries: Envoy Air, Piedmont Airlines, or PSA Airlines. Crucially, the programme provides access to financing to pay for training. American’s regional affiliates have pipeline programs, but those focus primarily on connecting candidates in college aviation programs with jobs, American’s pilot recruitment director David Tatum said. Tatum said candidates in the regionals’ programmes have already solved the financing challenge and are focused on building flight time. The new academy’s goal is to develop more cadets for that pipeline, and help ensure American has a steady stream of pilots to help support growth and offset retirements.<br/>