Delta Air Lines and Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics partnership to spur job seekers to fill high demand

Delta Air Lines and Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics (PIA) have announced an education partnership designed to fill demand for qualified aviation maintenance technicians. PIA’s campuses in Pittsburgh, Youngstown, Hagerstown and Myrtle Beach have been selected as four of approximately 40 aircraft maintenance schools to partner with Delta in an effort to find the schools whose graduates are able to meet or exceed their high expectations. Over 100 criteria were used in Delta’s selection process including equipment and facilities, level of hands-on-training, and quality of teaching. Industry growth, increasing retirements, a decline in students seeking an education in skilled trades are factors contributing to an increasing demand for aviation maintenance technicians (AMTs). PIA strives to provide successful career opportunities for graduates and this joint effort with Delta will continue to support the school’s mission. In order for an aircraft to leave the ground, whether it is a blimp, helicopter, or fixed-wing aircraft, any maintenance must generally be signed off by a certified FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) technician. According to Boeing’s 2016 Pilot and Technician Outlook, over 118,000 newly hired A&P technicians are needed by 2035 in North America alone.