American Airlines has today announced an expansion of the American Airlines Flight Academy with the addition of ATP Flight School in Charlotte, N.C. ATP has been a longstanding partner of American’s regional carriers, Envoy, Piedmont and PSA.
On Tuesday (March 18, 2025), American Airlines announced an expansion of the American Airlines Cadet Academy with the addition of ATP Flight School in Charlotte, North Carolina. Since 2004, ATP has been a longstanding partner of American’s wholly-owned regional carrier’s Envoy Air, Piedmont and PSA, graduating over 1,500 commercial pilots. This alliance reinforces American Airlines’ commitment to providing a clear and accessible pathway to a rewarding career as a commercial airline pilot. Around 900 cadets from all backgrounds and every U.S. state are current enrolled in the American Airlines Cadet Academy. The carrier expects the first class of ATP’s Charlotte campus in August 2025.
In Tuesday’s announcement, American’s VP – American Eagle, Corporate Real Estate and Government Affairs, said, Nathan Gatten, said,
“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.”
Also commenting on the expanded training partnership, ATP’s Director of Airline and Corporate Partnerships, Ashley Pillon, said,
“ATP is honored to partner with American Airlines Cadet Academy in providing a clear path to the flight deck at American Airlines. 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.”
First Officer Dalton Caldwell shares his journey from ATP to American – Courtesy ATP Flight School
Cadets attending the ATP Flight Academy will benefit from industry leading, airline-oriented training, with access to state-of-the-art flight simulators and aircraft. Trainees will also have the opportunity to connect with American pilot mentors, who will offer personalized guidance and support throughout their training journey. Additionally, thanks to a partnership with the American Airlines Federal Credit Union, the Cadet Academy offers financial options to candidates accepted into the program. Upon graduation, students will be guaranteed placement with one of American’s regional carriers, paving the way for the eventual transition to a mainline career. For more information, including how to apply to the American Airlines Cadet Academy, please click here.
Source: American Airlines