American Airlines and AIM partner to expand aviation career pathways in Charlotte with new scholarships, tuition support

• American Airlines and Aviation Institute of Maintenance's Charlotte campus formalize existing relationship, expanding pathways to rewarding aviation maintenance careers across the Charlotte community, with opportunities for students and airport employees at Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT).
• American is offering thousands of dollars in tuition support to CLT airport workers, regardless of employer.
• American is funding $25,000 in scholarships to Charlotte-area high school students enrolled in AIM's dual credit program.
• The partnership is the latest investment in Charlotte, where 16,500 team members are based.

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina - American Airlines today announced a new partnership with the Aviation Institute of Maintenance (AIM) Charlotte campus, creating new pathways for Charlotte airport workers and students to access rewarding careers in aviation maintenance. American will also offer scholarships to students enrolled in AIM's dual credit Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) program, and AIM is offering tuition assistance to anyone working at Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT), regardless of their employer.

American has been working closely with AIM campuses for years, inspiring future aircraft mechanics. In 2022, AIM and American announced a formal partnership with the school's Chicago campus. Students at the school continue enjoying engagement opportunities with American's team of aviation maintenance professionals and guaranteed interviews for open positions at the airline.

Impactful new partnership extends across the Charlotte community

The new partnership is built on three components:

• Classroom to hangar: AIM students will gain a pathway to career opportunities at American through mentorship with CLT-based AMTs, access to the airline's maintenance facilities and guaranteed interviews for top-performing students upon graduation and receipt of their FAA Airframe and Powerplant certification.
• Scholarships: American is helping Charlotte-area students in their journey to become aviation maintenance technicians by funding $25,000 in scholarships for graduating seniors enrolled in the dual credit AMT program at AIM - Charlotte.
• Tuition support: American and AIM also unveiled a 10% tuition discount for anyone who works at CLT, regardless of employer, saving airport workers an average of $5,000 over the course of their education. As the only Part 147 aviation maintenance school in the Charlotte region, this financial assistance will support those already working across the airport - from cabin cleaners and fuelers to wheelchair handlers and more - to gain specialized training and take the next step in their careers.

Rewarding careers in aviation maintenance

Across the globe, nearly 11,000 highly skilled FAA-licensed AMTs keep the airline's fleet flying safely and reliably. Aviation maintenance offers an exciting, rewarding career that combines cutting edge technology with hands-on problem solving. While an FAA Airframe and Powerplant certificate is required to work as an AMT, a four-year college degree is not.

Aspiring AMTs study for 18-24 months at an FAA-certified aviation maintenance technician school, like AIM, and pass exams to receive their FAA license. As the industry faces growing demand for AMTs, this partnership plays a critical role in building the workforce of the future - and American's dedicated AMTs will pass down their expertise, skill and real-world experience to the next generation helping power the safety of flight.

Dedicated to job creation across the region

CLT is home to American's second-largest hub and 16,500 team members who power the operation. The airline also has a major Technical Operations presence, including base and line maintenance operations and 800 FAA-licensed AMTs across thousands of flights at CLT. Two of American's wholly owned regional subsidiaries, Piedmont Airlines and PSA Airlines, also employ hundreds of AMTs at CLT.

American is committed to supporting economic opportunity in Charlotte and continues to invest in workforce development programs that connect residents with careers in aviation. American's Charlotte-area initiatives include partnerships with educational institutions and community organizations focused on building awareness of aviation careers and creating opportunities for future technicians, pilots and aviation professionals.

American's hub at CLT helps to support nearly 150,000 jobs across North Carolina offering global connectivity, as well as a thriving workforce that continues to attract other companies to the state. This year, PSA Airlines relocated its headquarters to Charlotte, supporting more than 400 new jobs to the area and generating $10 million in state and local tax revenue every year.

American's impact across North Carolina

American is one of the biggest economic engines in North Carolina with its CLT hub contributing more than $30 billion to the state's economy, according to a recent economic impact study conducted by researchers at North Carolina State University. Statewide, American operates more than 800 daily departures and serves nine airports across North Carolina with service to more than 40 international destinations helping to develop the Tar Heel state as a global connecting point. In addition to air service, visitor spending also contributes to the state's economic impact from revenue generated through airport parking and concessions.

About American Airlines Group (NASDAQ: AAL)
American Airlines is a premium global airline connecting more of the U.S. to the world. With roots tracing back to an air mail carrier in the Midwestern United States in 1926, American now operates more than 6,000 daily flights to more than 350 destinations in more than 60 countries and serves more than 200 million customers annually. Powered by a proud and talented team of 130,000 aviation professionals, American's team lives out the airline's purpose of caring for people on life's journey every day.

The world's largest airline proudly celebrates its centennial year in 2026, reaching a milestone that reflects a century of innovation and the Forever Forward℠ spirit that changed the industry and the world. American introduced the first scheduled air cargo service, the first airport lounge and the first airline loyalty program and continues to reinvent the customer experience today. The airline is also a founding member of the one world alliance, whose members serve more than 900 destinations around the globe.

Get the latest about American at news.aa.com and @AmericanAir.

About the Aviation Institute of Maintenance
The Aviation Institute of Maintenance (AIM) is a leading provider of aviation maintenance training, preparing students for careers that keep the world in flight. With campuses across the United States, AIM offers hands-on training in aircraft maintenance and is committed to building a skilled, diverse workforce ready to meet the demands of the aviation industry.