As Aviation Economy Rebounds, Personnel Are Back in Demand, With a Diverse Twist

Jetblue announced its new hiring pipeline, JetBlue Gateways. The initiative is designed to meet the growing need for aviation professionals from aviators to AMT's, that come from backgrounds other than the common straight, white male that has formed the base of the aviation industry. The program focuses on offering "a range of pathways  into the industry, while also opening the door to more candidates from underrepresented communities, including women and people of color."  

The Gateways program offers 7 separate education and training paths that lead to employment as a JetBlue pilot or maintenance technician. It has traditionally outperformed similar programs from competing airlines, accounting for 12% of new hire pilots in 2021. The pilot 'cadet' program, Gateway Select, focuses on boosting aspiring pilots with no flight experience, placing its first 28 candidates after extensive education and training. Those moving through the program come from "unlikely backgrounds like a movie theater manager, a teacher, and a project manager." Those students in traditional training, like those in any one of JetBlue's 11 partner schools, can enter through Gateway University.

The newest development, however, is the addition of maintenance technicians to the Gateway program. The first class of accepted candidates begin their courses in 2022, when the next expansion of the program will see family members of current employees be given a direct pathway to employment. 

Head of safety, security, and fleet ops Warren Christie, described the move as vital to keep up with employment needs. “As travel rebounds and we prepare for growth from our Northeast Alliance with American Airlines, we need to ensure a pipeline of qualified pilots and technicians over the next several years,” said Christie.

“Successful candidates will not only be skilled in their craft but also reflect JetBlue’s culture, and through the Gateways programs, we can invest in our future crewmembers from day one. Women and people of color have typically been under-represented within the pilot and maintenance technician professions. JetBlue is breaking down the barriers to find candidates from all background who exhibit the skill and aptitude to take on these high-quality and high paying airline jobs."

FMI: www.jetbluegateways.com