CHARLOTTE, North Carolina — American Airlines Cadet Academy is expanding its network of flight schools, announcing today it has added ATP Flight School in Charlotte, North Carolina, as its newest partner. The alliance reinforces American’s commitment to providing a clear and accessible pathway to a rewarding career as a commercial airline pilot.
ATP, a longstanding flight school partner with American’s wholly owned regional carriers, has a proven track record of producing highly qualified pilots for airlines. With more than 1,500 ATP graduates joining Envoy, Piedmont and PSA since 2004, this announcement is a natural progression of the successful relationship.
“We're excited to welcome ATP's Charlotte location to our growing network of flight school partners,” said Nathan Gatten, American’s Executive Vice President of American Eagle, Corporate Real Estate and Government Affairs, who leads the teams managing the American Airlines Cadet Academy. “We’re providing access to high-quality training in a region that is very important to our operation, strengthening our efforts to maintain a sustainable pilot workforce.”
Cadets attending ATP will benefit from industry-leading airline-oriented training, including access to state-of-the-art flight simulators and aircraft. Additionally, trainees will have the opportunity to connect with American pilot mentors, who will provide personalized guidance and support throughout their training journey.
Through its partnership with the American Airlines Federal Credit Union, the Cadet Academy also offers financial options for candidates accepted into the program.
Upon successful completion, Cadet Academy graduates will be guaranteed placement with one of American’s wholly owned regional carriers, paving the way for a smooth transition to a mainline career.
“ATP is honored to partner with American Airlines Cadet Academy in providing a clear path to the flight deck at American Airlines,” said Ashley Pillon, Director of Airline and Corporate Partnerships at ATP Flight School. “American is a world-renowned airline. We are thrilled to add this partnership alongside our longstanding rapport with American’s wholly owned regional carriers, and in doing so, to provide aspiring pilots with the airline-oriented flight training that ATP offers in the world’s largest flight training fleet on an efficient, achievable timeline.”
Approximately 900 cadets from all backgrounds and nearly every US state are currently enrolled in the Cadet Academy. American expects to welcome the first class of cadets to ATP’s Charlotte campus in August. In anticipation, ATP is adding a new hangar and simulator bay, a testing center and other amenities.
For more information, including how to apply to the American Airlines Cadet Academy, aspiring pilots are encouraged to visit aacadetacademy.com.
