TULSA, Okla. — American Airlines announced over 300 new job openings are coming to the airline’s maintenance base in Tulsa.
American Airlines said almost 500 aviation jobs in total are coming to maintenance bases in Charlotte, North Carolina, Pittsburgh and Tulsa. The jobs will allow the airline to perform additional check work at these locations.
The announcement comes in addition to more than 300 jobs recently added to the Tulsa location, following a $22 million grant from the State of Oklahoma’s Business Expansion Incentive Program in 2023.
FOX23 spoke with Dale Danker, the President of the Transport Workers Union (TWU), who said this opportunity is important for the company and Tulsans.
“It’s a huge investment for the Tulsa community to keep American Airlines and as many jobs out here at this base as possible,” said Danker.
On Monday, American Airlines announced they are creating more than 300 new aviation maintenance jobs in Tulsa, including more than 227 licensed aviation technician positions.
“They are going to bring a 787 back in heavy maintenance, back into Tulsa to work on and they are going to bring another 737. More work typically means more heads, [which] means new job opportunities for people,” said Danker.
The Vice President of Base Maintenance and Facilities, Greg Emerson, of American Airlines released this statement about the new positions:
“It’s an opportunity to grow our maintenance capacity and capabilities in the near-term and preserve them over the long run by continuing to build our pipeline of future maintenance team members – which is important work American has been doing for some time.”
Danker said their mission as TWU is simple.
“We are here to fight for the rights of our members and try to provide the best paying benefits we can and provide the company what they’re buying,” said Danker.
The jobs will be created internally first and then expanded to those who don’t currently work for the company.
If you are looking to get into this type of work, Tulsa Tech offers an Aviation Maintenance Technology Program.
In July, American Airlines announced a partnership with Tulsa Tech to develop a talent pipeline.
American Airlines said top performing students at Tulsa Tech’s aviation maintenance programs are guaranteed interviews following graduation and license approval.
American Airlines has unveiled an exciting new wave of job opportunities at its Tulsa maintenance base, signaling a strong commitment to growing its operations and supporting the local workforce. This announcement is part of a broader initiative that will see over 300 new positions open in Tulsa, with a total of almost 500 jobs created across the airline’s maintenance bases in Charlotte, North Carolina, Pittsburgh, and Tulsa.
The additional job opportunities will allow American Airlines to perform more intensive maintenance checks at these facilities, ensuring the airline’s fleet remains in top condition. This expansion comes on the heels of significant growth at the Tulsa base, which recently saw more than 300 new positions added thanks to a $22 million grant from the State of Oklahoma’s Business Expansion Incentive Program, awarded in 2023. The infusion of state funds has been critical to enhancing the capabilities of the Tulsa facility and solidifying its role in American Airlines’ maintenance operations.
One of the key figures advocating for this expansion is Dale Danker, President of the Transport Workers Union (TWU). Danker emphasized the importance of these new jobs, not only for the airline but also for the Tulsa community. “It’s a huge investment for the Tulsa community to keep American Airlines and as many jobs out here at this base as possible,” he noted. His remarks underline the broader economic impact these new positions will have on the region.
American Airlines revealed that over 227 of the new jobs in Tulsa will be licensed aviation technician positions. This boost in workforce will support the maintenance of additional aircraft, including the Boeing 787 and Boeing 737, which will be serviced at the Tulsa base. Danker further explained, “They are going to bring a 787 back in heavy maintenance, back into Tulsa to work on, and they are going to bring another 737. More work typically means more heads, [which] means new job opportunities for people.”
Greg Emerson, Vice President of Base Maintenance and Facilities at American Airlines, also emphasized the strategic importance of these new roles. In a statement, Emerson said, “It’s an opportunity to grow our maintenance capacity and capabilities in the near-term and preserve them over the long run by continuing to build our pipeline of future maintenance team members.” This commitment to both immediate growth and long-term sustainability reflects American Airlines’ forward-thinking approach to workforce development.
A key aspect of American Airlines’ strategy involves building a robust talent pipeline in partnership with local educational institutions. In July, the airline announced a partnership with Tulsa Tech, a local technical training institution, to develop skilled workers for its maintenance team. Tulsa Tech’s Aviation Maintenance Technology Program offers aspiring aviation professionals the training needed to enter this high-demand field. For students enrolled in the program, the prospects are bright: top-performing students are guaranteed interviews with American Airlines after graduation, provided they obtain the necessary licenses. This partnership is a win-win for both the airline and the local community, ensuring a steady stream of qualified workers while offering students a direct path to employment in the aviation industry.
Dale Danker also spoke about the role of the Transport Workers Union (TWU) in supporting its members and helping them secure these new opportunities. “We are here to fight for the rights of our members and try to provide the best-paying benefits we can and provide the company what they’re buying,” Danker said. His statement reflects TWU’s ongoing efforts to ensure that American Airlines employees are fairly compensated and that the company can continue to rely on a skilled, dedicated workforce.
The creation of these jobs is not just a boon for those currently employed at American Airlines but will also benefit individuals seeking to break into the aviation maintenance field. While the airline plans to fill these positions internally at first, the jobs will eventually be opened up to external candidates, creating opportunities for those who don’t currently work for the company.
For those interested in pursuing a career in aviation maintenance, Tulsa Tech’s Aviation Maintenance Technology Program provides a crucial stepping stone. The program equips students with the hands-on experience and technical knowledge required to thrive in this fast-paced industry. With the added incentive of guaranteed interviews for top students, the program offers a clear pathway to a stable and rewarding career at American Airlines.
In summary, American Airlines’ decision to expand its maintenance operations in Tulsa and beyond represents a significant investment in both the company’s future and the communities it serves. With the creation of hundreds of new jobs, the partnership with Tulsa Tech, and the continued advocacy of the Transport Workers Union, the airline is positioning itself to meet the growing demand for aviation maintenance while providing valuable opportunities for workers in Tulsa and other cities. As the airline continues to grow its workforce, the Tulsa community stands to benefit from the economic boost and the increased job security that comes with having a major employer like American Airlines committed to the region.