Lakeland, Florida, United States – International Aero Academy, established in 2017, initially focused on accelerated pilot training but has since expanded to include aircraft maintenance technician training, on-demand charter services, and an in-house FAA Part 145 repair station.

• IAA started with just 8 aircraft and now operates operates a fleet of 26 aircraft including Tecnam P2008, P2006T and Cessna 172 and 152 aircraft
• Currently IAA has around 100 to 120 pilots in training at any one time
• Training aspiring pilots from around the globe IAA has recently opened an office in India and is hoping to announce a flight training cadet program with an airline in the coming months
• IAA provides a pathway to US low cost carrier Spirit Airlines – after reaching 500 flight hours, student pilots can apply to the airline with the possibility of receiving a conditional letter of employment upon reaching 1,500 hours.
• Amazon, with a significant air cargo base at Lakeland Linder International Airport, has partnered with International Aero Academy – this partnership aims to increase the number of qualified aviation technicians. Amazon’s Career Choice program includes an AMT pathway, offering two-year, tuition-paid training at the academy. The first class of 22 Amazon employees enrolled last fall, boosting the school’s AMT students by 36%.
• IAA currently has 60 A&P students enrolled and expect to reach 100 in 2024

Statements:

• “We hold more FAA certificates than any organization in the United States,” said Steven Markhoff, founder and CEO.
• “Simply put, there are no mechanics. Demand is outpacing supply,” Markhoff said. “We have not materially increased the number of A&P students in the U.S., and more disconcerting, the latest ATEC Pipeline Report showed that the number of A&P school graduates pursuing FAA licensure has decreased from 80% to 50%. Plus, approximately 25% of A&Ps never go to work in the aviation industry as their skill sets are highly sought after.”

Source: IAA