The Delta Air Lines Foundation has awarded $350,000 in grant money to nine aviation maintenance training programs across the U.S., joining a growing list of major aviation companies that have recently taken steps to address predicted shortages of qualified pilots, crew and aviation maintenance personnel. According to Delta, the grant money will help with curriculum development, provide support for projects and materials and help the programs to increase students’ skills in areas including avionics and composite structures.
“Delta and The Delta Air Lines Foundation are committed to investing in the future of aviation professionals in the local communities where we live, work and serve,” said Senior Vice President of The Delta Air Lines Foundation Tad Hutcheson. “Knowledge of avionics, electrical systems and composite construction is critical in the aviation industry, and this grant will help better prepare students for their future careers.”
Five $50,000 grants went to colleges in Georgia, where Delta has its headquarters. Four grants of $25,000 each were given to schools in Pennsylvania, New York, California and Washington. In addition to the grants, Delta and The Delta Air Lines Foundation—a nonprofit corporation “formed to enhance Delta’s charitable giving”—maintain partnerships with several colleges and more than 47 maintenance training programs around the country.
