American Airlines and the Aviation Institute of Maintenance (AIM) have partnered to create a pathway for the next generation of aviation maintenance professionals.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by the pair guarantees that top candidates from AIM’s Chicago campus will get interviews at American, while providing ongoing engagement with American’s team of aviation maintenance professionals and offering access to American’s maintenance facilities.

Eligible students will also be offered financial assistance for certification exams and toolboxes to start their career off on the right foot.

“There is no better place to start an aircraft maintenance technician career than at American,” said American Airlines’ vice president of line maintenance Evie Garces, who began her career as an American AMT at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport. “Sometimes, all it takes is a path and the realisation that there is a place for you if you work hard and want it. At American, we want the best up-and-coming AMTs to join our more than 12,000 aviation maintenance professionals who each day are responsible for the safety of every customer and team member onboard our aircraft. And more than that, we want to help aspiring AMTs by charting a path like the one established through our growing partnership with AIM.”

About 4,000 students are currently pursuing certifications to become aircraft mechanics within AIM’s 21-month programme. With 14 FAA-certificated aviation maintenance schools around the country, AIM is the largest aviation maintenance training organisation in the US.

“We are thrilled to be extending our relationship with American Airlines and providing a direct pathway to employment for our students,” said AIM’s executive vice president Joel English. “Our goal is to be an agent of personal and professional transition for our students, as well as a solution for the workforce needs of the airlines and aircraft manufacturers. This direct relationship with American Airlines is a significant step forward for us and a great opportunity for our students.”

The partnership also provides American Airlines team members who are interested in becoming aviation maintenance professionals with reduced tuition rates and a waved application fee at AIM’s 14 campuses across the US.