America is in need of more AMEs

American Airlines recently made an exciting announcement that brings a major boost to Tulsa's economy—the airline will be adding over 300 new jobs at its maintenance base in the city. This news follows a larger expansion across several key locations, including Charlotte, Pittsburgh, and Tulsa, with nearly 500 aviation jobs in total. These additions aim to support American Airlines' growing maintenance needs and ensure a robust workforce for its aviation maintenance programs.

Boosting Tulsa's Workforce

American Airlines' Tulsa maintenance base will soon see a significant increase in staff, particularly in licensed aviation technician positions. More than 227 licensed aviation technician jobs will be created as part of this expansion, making it one of the largest maintenance staffing efforts the airline has undertaken in recent years. Dale Danker, President of the Transport Workers Union (TWU), emphasized the importance of this opportunity not just for American Airlines but for the entire Tulsa community:

"It's a huge investment for the Tulsa community to keep American Airlines and as many jobs out here at this base as possible," Danker stated.

This expansion is more than just an economic boost; it solidifies Tulsa's standing as a key player in the aviation industry. Danker also mentioned the return of major aircraft maintenance to Tulsa, with the base set to handle Boeing 787s and 737s. This increased workload, naturally, creates more job opportunities.

Investing in the Future - $22 Million Grant Fuels Growth

The latest job openings come on the heels of a $22 million grant from the State of Oklahoma's Business Expansion Incentive Program, awarded to American Airlines in 2023. This grant has already led to the addition of 300 new jobs at the Tulsa base, underscoring the strategic importance of this location in the airline's broader operational plans.

American Airlines isn't just focused on short-term growth. According to Greg Emerson, Vice President of Base Maintenance and Facilities, the company is keen on building long-term maintenance capacity:

"It's an opportunity to grow our maintenance capacity and capabilities in the near-term and preserve them over the long run by continuing to build our pipeline of future maintenance team members."

This foresight ensures that Tulsa's maintenance base remains at the forefront of American Airlines' operations, while also offering local job seekers significant opportunities in aviation.

Pathways to Employment - Tulsa Tech and American Airlines Partnership

If you’ve ever considered a career in aviation, now is the perfect time to act. American Airlines has partnered with Tulsa Tech to develop a talent pipeline that will help fill these new positions. This partnership guarantees interviews for top-performing students who graduate from Tulsa Tech’s Aviation Maintenance Technology Program, provided they obtain the necessary licenses. The initiative is part of a broader effort to build a qualified workforce, ensuring that Tulsa’s aviation maintenance team remains strong for years to come.

Tulsa Tech’s Aviation Maintenance Technology Program provides the skills needed to excel in this field, offering hands-on training in aircraft systems, maintenance protocols, and safety standards. Graduates of the program will find themselves well-positioned to secure one of the coveted positions at American Airlines’ expanding Tulsa base.

Internal and External Job Opportunities

American Airlines will first look internally to fill these positions, giving current employees the opportunity to advance their careers. However, the expansion will also open up job opportunities to external candidates. So, if you're looking to break into the aviation industry, now is the perfect time to explore available job listings.

The aviation maintenance field offers promising career prospects, and with American Airlines’ ongoing expansion in Tulsa, it’s an industry with a future. The new positions are not only a chance for career growth but also contribute to Tulsa’s growing reputation as a hub for aviation excellence.

Final Thoughts

This expansion marks a significant step in American Airlines' commitment to Tulsa and the broader aviation industry. The creation of over 300 new jobs, coupled with the partnership with Tulsa Tech, ensures that the city remains a vital part of American Airlines' future plans. Whether you’re a seasoned aviation professional or just starting out, the new opportunities at the Tulsa maintenance base offer an exciting chance to be part of the future of aviation.

As Danker summed it up: "More work typically means more heads, which means new job opportunities for people."

If you’re interested in exploring these career options, check out the open positions at American Airlines—your future in aviation might just take flight in Tulsa!