Exciting things are happening at Phoenix Goodyear Airport as the airport recently welcomed the inaugural pilot class to the United Aviate Academy. On Jan. 27, an event was held at Phoenix Goodyear Airport featuring United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby and United President Brett Hart. They were joined by Federal Aviation Administration Deputy Administrator Brad Mims, Arizona Rep. Debbie Lesko, U.S. House Aviation Subcommittee Chair Rick Larsen, Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego and Goodyear Mayor Joe Pizzillo to debut the United Airlines flight training school. 

The 340,000 square-foot United Aviate Academy facility at Phoenix Goodyear Airport includes world-class features such as: Leasing a fleet of late-model Cirrus SR-20 series single-engine aircraft, which feature advanced safety characteristics; nearly 50,000 square feet of office space; multiple aircraft hangars; dormitory rooms for student housing with ample room for expansion; proximity to many auxiliary airfields in the Phoenix area; and favorable weather for year-round flight training.

The United Aviate Academy’s inaugural class of students is 80% women or people of color and is part of the airline’s commitment to expand access to flight training. Phoenix Goodyear Airport has a long tradition of excellence in aviation flight training, and this new academy will also provide a boost to the airport and the West Valley by bringing in additional jobs.