American Airlines donates $1M to Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals
In a statement American Airlines announced a donation of $1.5 million to the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP) Luke Weathers Flight Academy.
“Our strength lies in having a team, especially pilots, that represent the diverse communities we serve,” said Robert Isom, the CEO of American Airlines. “We must expose young people to careers in aviation, provide relief to financial barriers and increase the number of underrepresented minority pilots on the flight deck.”
The contribution will provide resource grants and scholarships to recruits of the Lieutenant Colonel Luke Weathers Flight Academy to train pilots with diverse backgrounds and support the airline’s efforts to help the industry diversify the flight deck.
“The Luke Weathers Flight Academy is a one-of-a-kind training ground where students of all backgrounds, especially aspiring pilots of color, can receive the training, support and mentorship pivotal to their success in the pilot profession,” said Retired Captain and Co-Director of the Luke Weathers Flight Academy, Albert Glenn. “American’s support will only amplify our ability to prepare more aviators for successful careers.”
American Airlines has been working with community organizations to help foster access to aviation. In order to help introduce the youth to a variety of career opportunities, it hosted more than 150 students systemwide at its facilities throughout the summer as a part of OBAP’s Aerospace Career Education (ACE) Academy. sThe Academy provides hands-on experience on the fundamentals of aerodynamics in fun, innovative ways for middle and high school students.
Earlier last month in July, American flew nearly 100 young aviation enthusiasts on a private charter from Chicago to Oshkosh, Wisconsin, for the annual EAA AirVenture. They spent the day on flight simulators, and learned more about different careers options in the aviation industry, and explored various aircraft at the largest airshow in the world.
The flight was serviced by an all-Black flight crew including Captain David Ricketts, OBAP member and mentor to many up-and-coming pilots.
“I joined OBAP over 25 years ago, at a time when I was finding my way as a pilot and there weren’t many people who looked like me,” said Captain David Ricketts. “And now, I am grateful to be on the other side where I can use my platform to mentor diverse youth to be successful pilots.”
Earlier this summer, American Airlines had announced the creation of the Elise Eberwein American Airlines Pilot Scholarship in honor of the executive leader devoted to our team members and creating a workforce that mirrors the communities the airline serves.
The scholarship commits $1 million over the next 10 years to further the airline’s extensive efforts to increase and diversify the pilot ranks.
The donations are intended to help relieve financial barriers, increase the number of underrepresented minority professionals, engineers and scientists, and ensure the future of aviation is diverse by exposing young people to careers in aviation.
“Our strength lies in having a team, especially pilots, that represent the diverse communities we serve,” said Robert Isom, the CEO of American Airlines. “We must expose young people to careers in aviation, provide relief to financial barriers and increase the number of underrepresented minority pilots on the flight deck.”
The contribution will provide resource grants and scholarships to recruits of the Lieutenant Colonel Luke Weathers Flight Academy to train pilots with diverse backgrounds and support the airline’s efforts to help the industry diversify the flight deck.
“The Luke Weathers Flight Academy is a one-of-a-kind training ground where students of all backgrounds, especially aspiring pilots of color, can receive the training, support and mentorship pivotal to their success in the pilot profession,” said Retired Captain and Co-Director of the Luke Weathers Flight Academy, Albert Glenn. “American’s support will only amplify our ability to prepare more aviators for successful careers.”
American Airlines has been working with community organizations to help foster access to aviation. In order to help introduce the youth to a variety of career opportunities, it hosted more than 150 students systemwide at its facilities throughout the summer as a part of OBAP’s Aerospace Career Education (ACE) Academy. sThe Academy provides hands-on experience on the fundamentals of aerodynamics in fun, innovative ways for middle and high school students.
Earlier last month in July, American flew nearly 100 young aviation enthusiasts on a private charter from Chicago to Oshkosh, Wisconsin, for the annual EAA AirVenture. They spent the day on flight simulators, and learned more about different careers options in the aviation industry, and explored various aircraft at the largest airshow in the world.
The flight was serviced by an all-Black flight crew including Captain David Ricketts, OBAP member and mentor to many up-and-coming pilots.
“I joined OBAP over 25 years ago, at a time when I was finding my way as a pilot and there weren’t many people who looked like me,” said Captain David Ricketts. “And now, I am grateful to be on the other side where I can use my platform to mentor diverse youth to be successful pilots.”
Earlier this summer, American Airlines had announced the creation of the Elise Eberwein American Airlines Pilot Scholarship in honor of the executive leader devoted to our team members and creating a workforce that mirrors the communities the airline serves.
The scholarship commits $1 million over the next 10 years to further the airline’s extensive efforts to increase and diversify the pilot ranks.
The donations are intended to help relieve financial barriers, increase the number of underrepresented minority professionals, engineers and scientists, and ensure the future of aviation is diverse by exposing young people to careers in aviation.
Companies