First Students Begin Flight Training at United Aviate Academy in Phoenix

(08 Dec 2021)  The inaugural class of 30 United Aviate Academy students began their studies at the new flight training academy at Phoenix Goodyear Airport, this week.

The first class, 80% of whom are women or people of color, will complete a year-long training program designed to set them up for a career with the airline.

United Aviate Academy received more than 7,500 applications from aspiring pilots around the country in less than six months, with nearly 75% of those applicants being women or people of color.

The inaugural class of 30 United Aviate Academy students began their studies at the new flight training academy at Phoenix Goodyear Airport, this week.

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 organizations and United Express carriers on their way to becoming United pilots.

"We are thrilled to welcome our first class of students to the academy's new home at Phoenix Goodyear airport," said Mary Ann Schaffer, United's chief pilot and member of the United Aviate Academy board of directors. "The facility ensures we have the resources to expand our training capabilities and that the next generation of aviators will receive industry-leading training toward their goal of becoming a pilot for United Airlines."

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. United currently expects to hire at least 10,000 pilots by 2030.

United Aviate Academy at Phoenix Goodyear Airport

The 340,000 square-foot facility at Phoenix Goodyear Airport, which United Aviate Academy is leasing from the city of Phoenix, will provide aspiring pilots with the required resources, equipment and accommodation.

The facility was previously home to Lufthansa Aviation Training (LAT), and United Aviate Academy will sublease part of its facility to LAT, a wholly owned subsidiary of Lufthansa, a United Star Alliance partner.

Other advantages the facility will offer to United Aviate Academy include:

- Leasing a fleet of late-model Cirrus SR-20 series single-engine aircraft, which feature advanced safety characteristics;

- Nearly 50,000 square feet of office space;

- Multiple aircraft hangars;

- Dormitory rooms for student housing with ample room for expansion;

- Proximity to many auxiliary airfields in the Phoenix area; and

- Favorable weather for year-round flight training.