American Airlines announced a first-of-its-kind program designed to help future aviators receive the training, financing and mentoring opportunities they need to fly for the world’s largest airline.

The American Airlines Cadet Academy will provide an opportunity for future pilots to become first officers at one of American’s three wholly owned regional carriers and eventually fly larger aircraft at American. Once selected, cadets will choose to train at one of American’s partner flight schools in several locations nationwide while having the option to work with Discover Student Loans to apply for a loan up to the total cost of the program, including room and board.

“We are thrilled to introduce this innovative program that we believe can change the airline industry and provide aspiring pilots with a life changing opportunity,” said Capt. Kimball Stone, American’s vice president – Flight. “The lack of financing options has restricted the size of the pilot pool, leaving some of the most talented people out of the running. By removing this roadblock from the student experience, we will attract a diverse group of professional aviators to American for years to come.”

Once selected, cadets will train for up to 18 months with one of American’s three flight school partners: American Flyers in Dallas, TX and Pompano Beach, FL; Crew Training International in Memphis, TN; and CAE in Phoenix, AZ.

“Discover Student Loans understands the global demand for future pilots, which is why we’re committed to making the financing process for the American Airlines Cadet Academy simple and easy to understand,” said John Vidovich, Vice President of Business Development for Discover Student Loans. “Our financing program can be used to pay for all aspects of the training program from start to finish, which helps eliminate any surprise costs so students can focus on becoming professional pilots.”

The financing program from Discover Student Loans will provide cadets with competitive variable and fixed interest rate private student loans with zero fees and deferred payments for up to three and a half years, while the cadet completes the program in preparation for prospective employment with Envoy, Piedmont or PSA.