EAA, United Airlines Join Forces to Encourage and Promote Flying Careers

September 29, 2020 – EAA and United Airlines are teaming up to welcome and encourage young people to pursue aviation on all levels, with a variety of programs and activities that build on the strengths of each organization.

The joint effort will build on the success of current EAA and United Airlines programs. That includes EAA Young Eagles, which has introduced flight to 2.2 million young people since 1992, and United's Aviate program that offers aspiring and established pilots the most direct and best path to United Airlines.

"United has been involved with EAA at various levels for some time, such as at our annual EAA AirVenture Oshkosh fly-in, but each organization was seeking a way to create a comprehensive pathway for young people to discover aviation and then learn more about the exciting possibilities for their futures," said Rick Larsen, EAA's vice president of programs, publications, and marketing. "United's Aviate program offers a terrific new opportunity to provide a pathway for those Young Eagles who seek flying careers, especially with United's reach and visibility in the communities it serves throughout the country."

As part of the agreement, EAA will become the Official Youth Aviation Partner of United Airlines, while United will be the Official Airline of Young Eagles. EAA and United will also share visibility, web portals, and links that introduce people to all the programs available from each.

"United Airlines is proud to build upon our long-standing relationship with EAA and become the Official Airline of Young Eagles and EAA's youth aviation education programs," said Capt. Curtis Brunjes, United's Managing Director of Aviate & Pilot Strategy. "We are deeply committed, through our Aviate program, to developing the next generation of airline pilots and this partnership in youth aviation programs at EAA will enable us to better reach young pilot aspirants and the diverse talent we seek."

The agreement brings together the best of EAA's well-established, successful youth programs and United's Aviate program to benefit young people interested in flight. Additional details and opportunities will be announced as the joint programming develops.