The aviation industry is currently experiencing a mechanic shortage issue. To combat this and help move towards a solution, Auburn University and Southern Union partner and enter an agreement to construct a new hanger.
Auburn University and Southern Union partnership
Auburn University and Southern Union State Community College will collaborate to construct a hanger for its new Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) School. In doing so, they have partnered with Auburn University’s School of Aviation to help solve the industry’s aviation mechanic shortage problem.
This new hanger will be constructed close to the Delta Air Lines Aviation Education Building and the School of Aviation’s maintenance hanger at the Auburn University Regional Airport. Auburn School of Aviation Director James Wittle recently told reports that this partnership is a great addition to the aviation program and airport. He also expressed how this addition will propel Auburn and Southern Union students into successful aviation careers.
More about the partnership
What led to this partnership? The aviation industry is experiencing shortages in several areas, including maintenance staff. This new facility will work to battle this insufficiency by producing qualified aircraft maintenance personnel.
According to Boeing, the industry needs to recruit, train and hire more than 600,000 new maintenance technicians through 2041.
But this isn’t the first time we have seen Auburn University and Southern Union partner. In 2023, Southern Union State Community College used Auburn University’s support to kick-start an Aviation Maintenance Technology program. This program established an aircraft mechanic school, and there are also plans for a separate agreement that outlines logistics, storage and servicing for the aircraft used within the program.
Further deepening the Auburn University School of Aviation’s impact on the airline industry, and thanks to agreements with Delta Air Lines, United Airlines and Southwest Airlines, and a fleet of instructors and planes, Auburn’s aviation program has grown to more than 800 undergrads. Graduates of this program have also experienced a nearly 100% job placement rate after graduating from the Plains.
Summary
Ready to improve each school and the aviation industry, Auburn University and Southern Union partner to construct a hanger to impact the aviation mechanic shortage. It’s just one more unmatched opportunity offered on the Plains!
Are you ready to join this growing community? Contact Ryan Roberts for all your East Alabama real estate needs! And for more about the real estate industry and our community, continue reading our blogs.