American Airlines Adds ATP Flight School to Cadet Academy Network in Charlotte
American Airlines is growing its pilot training program by bringing ATP Flight School in Charlotte on board as its newest partner. The team-up greatly boosts the airline’s training initiative that began in…
MIAMI, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 19: An American Airlines plane on the tarmac at the Miami International Airport on February 19, 2025 in Miami, Florida. The carrier announced that it is adding two new routes from LGA servicing two cities in South Carolina: Charleston and Myrtle Beach. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
(Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)American Airlines is growing its pilot training program by bringing ATP Flight School in Charlotte on board as its newest partner. The team-up greatly boosts the airline's training initiative that began in 2018.
The first group of students will begin training at ATP's Charlotte location this August. Currently, 900 future pilots from across the country are going through the program.
ATP is expanding its Charlotte operations at Concord Regional Airport. They're building a new hangar, adding modern simulator rooms, and setting up a testing center. ATP operates the world's largest training fleet with 614 planes and focuses on training commercial pilots.
"We're excited to welcome ATP's Charlotte location to our growing network of flight school partners. 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," said Nathan Gatten, Executive Vice President of American Eagle, to aa.com.
Students who finish their training get priority spots with American's regional airlines. They're guaranteed interviews with the main airline after getting enough flight hours.
ATP has helped place more than 1,500 pilots with American's regional partners, Envoy, Piedmont, and PSA, since 2004. The school works closely with 38 regional airlines, including major players like Envoy Air and SkyWest.
The academy helps students get financial support through partnerships with American Airlines Federal Credit Union. This funding helps many aspiring pilots turn their dreams into reality.
Students in Charlotte will learn using both advanced simulators and real planes, with seasoned American Airlines pilots teaching them. This practical training creates a clear path to commercial flying.
Ashley Pillon, who leads ATP's airline partnerships, stressed their commitment to quality training. The program draws talented candidates through its growing network of flight schools.
The program's success shows in its numbers. About 800 students from nearly every state have signed up in just the last eight months, showing how well it's grown since starting.
