ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. — Air travel has gotten increasingly complicated with cancellations and delays.

What You Need To Know

  • ECSU offers the only four-year aviation degree in the state

  • Sixty percent of pilots are expected to retire over the next two years

  • ECSU has partnered with five major airlines

In the last few years, pandemic staffing shortages and retirements have created a huge need for airline pilots. 

Many airlines have ramped up recruitment efforts at flight schools to help manage demand. 

Republic Airways is the latest commercial airline to partner with Elizabeth City State University’s aviation program.  

“My friend told me about the program here, and he convinced me that I should maybe do that if I had such an interest in flying … it was probably the best decision I made,” sophomore aviation major Logan Jennings said.  

He says the access to commercial airline contacts and training programs set ECSU apart, and the demand is attracting more people to the field.  

“There's a lot more people starting to begin flight training because there is a shortage of pilots, and the pay is quite high for pilots right now. So within two, three or four years, it might start to get a little competitive just to get to the airlines,” Jennings said.

According to the Transportation Security Administration, 2023 was the busiest year to date for air travel. Although it reported pilot certifications are increasing, the Regional Airline Association says due to the age cap of 65, more than 60% of pilots will be forced to retire over the next two decades.

United Airlines, JetBlue, PSA Airlines, Delta Air Lines and most recently Republic Airways partnered with ECSU, offering mentorship and even help with certification costs.

Jennings says making connections along the way will help get him to his goal. 

“I hope to go work for the major airlines flying wide-body jets and ultimately travel the world,” Jennings said.  

ECSU continues to offer the only four-year aviation science degree program in North Carolina. For more information about the Republic partnership and others, visit its website.