This December is a very special time for us at United. Not only will we celebrate the holiday season by connecting you with your family, friends, and loved ones across the world, but we will also commemorate the first anniversary of opening our flight school, United Aviate Academy (UAA), and celebrate its first graduating class of students.
At United, we believe that aviation talent is everywhere, but unfortunately, for some aspiring aviators, opportunity is not. To be part of the solution, we are driving toward a more equitable future and expanding access to lucrative, lifelong aviation careers—because our employees should reflect the full diversity of the communities we serve, and where we live and work.
That’s why we created UAA, the only flight school owned by a major commercial airline, to help break down the barriers that limit access to becoming an airline pilot—one of the most lucrative jobs in the industry. Why? Because by investing in an inclusive culture, where the best pilots and leaders want to work, we will create a stronger, more successful airline.
Since its inception, UAA has been dedicated to changing the future of the aviation industry—building a new pathway that removes historically difficult hurdles to the flight deck. We want to ensure a career as a United pilot is possible for all the best candidates, regardless of financial background, which is why, with JPMorgan Chase, Boeing, and Experimental Aircraft Association, we are providing $2.64 million in scholarships to UAA students.
United’s story is defined by four simple words: “Good Leads the Way.” It’s at the heart of everything we do and everything we say. Doing good drives us to make the right decisions across our organization, including investing today in a world-class flight school so that all future students have greater access to a lifelong career in aviation without facing the current obstacles many students experience.
The past 365 days at UAA were revolutionary for our airline, the aviation industry, and our future workforce. UAA is ramping up to train 500 students annually, with the goal to train 5,000 new pilots by 2030—half of which will be women or people of color. We are thrilled to celebrate the first class of graduating students who have dedicated themselves to rigorous and intense training at UAA, all while upholding United’s high standard of professionalism, safety, and care.
This is only the beginning for these graduates. As they start the next chapter in their aviation journey, particularly those who will go on to join Aviate, our industry-leading pilot development program, they should know they have United’s full support behind them. To all the graduates, congratulations—we’re inspired by your commitment and passion to follow your aviation dreams.
We look forward to the day when one of our future UAA graduates is the one welcoming you onboard from the flight deck, taking you to your destination safely and on time.
Sincerely,
Brett Hart
President, United Airlines
Do you dream of a career with boundless horizons, where the sky is the limit? Are you driven for a life of adventure and a strong financial future? If your goal is to fly for United but don’t have flight experience, check out unitedaviate.com or visit careers.united.com.
Next Up: Diversifying United’s Ranks with Year Up, OneTen, and United Aviate Academy
