American Invests in the Future of Aviation Maintenance With New Jobs, Additional Work

Rhea-AI Summary

American Airlines has announced the creation of nearly 500 new aviation maintenance jobs, including over 385 licensed aviation maintenance technician (AMT) positions. The airline is adding additional lines of heavy check maintenance work at its bases in Charlotte, Pittsburgh, and Tulsa. This expansion follows a $22 million grant from Oklahoma's Business Expansion Incentive Program in 2023, which has already resulted in over 300 new jobs at the Tulsa maintenance base.

The new positions are now available on American's website, with 133 openings in Charlotte, 44 in Pittsburgh, and 321 in Tulsa. American has a history of partnering with aviation maintenance schools to inspire and prepare future AMTs, offering engagement opportunities, guidance, and guaranteed interviews for top-performing students upon graduation.

Positive

• Creation of nearly 500 new high-paying, skilled aviation maintenance jobs
• Expansion of heavy maintenance check work capacity at three maintenance bases
• $22 million grant from Oklahoma's Business Expansion Incentive Program in 2023
• Partnership with aviation maintenance schools to develop future talent pipeline

Negative

• None.

Insights

Aviation Industry Analyst

American Airlines' announcement of nearly 500 new aviation maintenance jobs is a significant move that underscores the airline's commitment to enhancing its maintenance capabilities. This investment in human capital, particularly the addition of 385 licensed AMT positions, is a strategic decision that could yield several benefits:

• Improved operational efficiency and reliability
• Reduced dependency on third-party maintenance providers
• Enhanced ability to manage fleet maintenance schedules

The expansion of heavy maintenance work across Charlotte, Pittsburgh and Tulsa bases suggests a decentralization strategy, which could lead to faster turnaround times and increased flexibility in aircraft maintenance. This move aligns with industry trends towards in-house maintenance to control costs and quality. The $22 million grant from Oklahoma for the Tulsa base expansion further solidifies American's position in the maintenance sector, potentially giving them a competitive edge in the long run.

Labor Market Economist

The creation of 500 new aviation maintenance jobs by American Airlines is a positive signal for the U.S. labor market, particularly in the aviation sector. These positions, predominantly high-skilled AMT roles, offer several economic implications:

• Boost to local economies in Charlotte, Pittsburgh and Tulsa
• Potential for wage growth in the aviation maintenance sector
• Strengthening of the domestic aerospace workforce

The focus on partnerships with aviation schools and mentorship programs demonstrates a long-term workforce development strategy. This approach not only addresses immediate staffing needs but also contributes to building a sustainable pipeline of skilled workers. The guaranteed interviews for top-performing students could lead to improved job market outcomes for graduates in the aviation maintenance field, potentially attracting more talent to this specialized sector.

Corporate Strategy Analyst

American Airlines' decision to expand its maintenance capabilities reflects a strategic shift towards vertical integration in its operations. This move could yield several strategic advantages:

• Greater control over maintenance quality and scheduling
• Potential for cost savings in the long term
• Enhanced ability to adapt to changing maintenance needs

The investment in both facilities and workforce suggests a long-term commitment to in-house maintenance. This strategy could provide American with more flexibility in managing its fleet, potentially leading to improved operational efficiency and reliability. The focus on developing partnerships with aviation schools also indicates a proactive approach to talent acquisition and development, which could give American a competitive edge in securing skilled labor in a tight job market. Overall, this move positions American to better control a critical aspect of its operations, potentially improving its competitive stance in the airline industry.

• The airline is creating nearly 500 new aviation maintenance jobs, including more than 385 licensed aviation maintenance technician (AMT) positions.

• Additional lines of heavy check maintenance work are being added to Charlotte, Pittsburgh and Tulsa maintenance bases.

FORT WORTH, TX / ACCESSWIRE / September 16, 2024 / American Airlines announced nearly 500 new aviation maintenance jobs and additional lines of heavy maintenance work at the carrier's maintenance bases in Charlotte, North Carolina; Pittsburgh; and Tulsa, Oklahoma. The added headcount will allow the airline to perform additional heavy maintenance check work at these locations.

"American is excited to grow our talented Technical Operations workforce with more high-paying, skilled aviation maintenance positions," said Greg Emerson, American's Vice President of Base Maintenance and Facilities. "It's an opportunity to grow our maintenance capacity and capabilities in the near-term and preserve them over the long run by continuing to build our pipeline of future maintenance team members - which is important work American has been doing for some time."

Today's hiring announcement is in addition to the more than 300 jobs recently added to American's Tech Ops - Tulsa maintenance base thanks to a $22 million grant awarded by the State of Oklahoma's Business Expansion Incentive Program in 2023. The grant is helping American further grow and improve the world's largest commercial aircraft maintenance base, including American's engine repair and overhaul facility.

"We're very grateful to the State of Oklahoma Department of Commerce for this grant," said Emerson. "As a direct result of this funding in 2023, we've already added hundreds of high-paying, skilled new jobs to the Tulsa economy and continue to make enhancements to our world-class maintenance facility."

Creating new jobs for aviation maintenance professionals

The incremental maintenance positions are now available on the airline's website today. By location:

• Charlotte: 133 total openings, including 122 AMTs

• Pittsburgh: 44 total openings, including 40 AMTs

• Tulsa: 321 total openings, including 227 AMTs

Candidates interested in joining American's team can view open opportunities and apply online at jobs.aa.com.

A legacy of inspiration and mentorship

The hiring process for these new positions often begins while future AMTs are still in the classroom. American has a long history of inspiring and preparing the next generation of mechanics for their future careers by forging partnerships with aviation maintenance schools across the United States. Students enrolled in aviation maintenance programs at Tulsa Tech, West Los Angeles College and Aviation Institute of Maintenance enjoy regular engagement opportunities with American's Technical Operations team members on campus or at the airline's maintenance hangars, where they receive guidance and invaluable experience as they complete their studies. Top-performing students are guaranteed interviews with American upon graduation and receipt of their FAA Airframe and Powerplant licenses. American works closely with aviation maintenance schools across the country to provide hangar visits, participate in campus events and donate aircraft parts to help enable a relevant, hands-on learning experience for students.

American is also a founding sponsor of the annual Aerospace Maintenance Council Competition, which brings together teams from airlines, schools, military, general aviation and repair and maintenance organizations to compete in real-life aerospace maintenance scenarios, testing competitors' speed and accuracy while prioritizing safety. Student competitors on American-mentored teams are also guaranteed interviews with the airline upon graduation.

About American Airlines Group

To Care for People on Life's Journey®. Shares of American Airlines Group Inc. trade on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol AAL and the company's stock is included in the S&P 500. Learn more about what's happening at American by visiting news.aa.com and connect with American @AmericanAir and at Facebook.com/AmericanAirlines.

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from American Airlines on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:
Spokesperson: American Airlines
Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/american-airlines
Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: American Airlines

View the original press release on accesswire.com

FAQ

How many new aviation maintenance jobs is American Airlines (AAL) creating?

American Airlines is creating nearly 500 new aviation maintenance jobs, including more than 385 licensed aviation maintenance technician (AMT) positions.

Where is American Airlines (AAL) adding new maintenance jobs in 2024?

American Airlines is adding new maintenance jobs at its bases in Charlotte, North Carolina; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and Tulsa, Oklahoma.

How many new jobs were added to American Airlines' (AAL) Tulsa maintenance base in 2023?

Over 300 jobs were added to American Airlines' Tech Ops - Tulsa maintenance base in 2023, thanks to a $22 million grant from Oklahoma's Business Expansion Incentive Program.

How does American Airlines (AAL) support future aviation maintenance technicians?

American Airlines partners with aviation maintenance schools, offering engagement opportunities, guidance, and guaranteed interviews for top-performing students upon graduation. They also sponsor the annual Aerospace Maintenance Council Competition.