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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

Republic Airways Plans Flight Training Academy in Indianapolis, Indianapolis

06/01/2018
Republic Airways, a regional airline, plans to establish a U.S.-based flight training academy in Indianapolis, Indiana. The company plans to create more than 600 full-time jobs by 2028.

Republic Airways Holdings will construct a new, state-of-the-art commercial aviation pilot training campus at the Indianapolis International Airport.

The training center, known as the Leadership In Flight Training Academy, will be one of the largest aviation training schools in the U.S. with the potential to train 300-400 students each year, helping make a career as a commercial pilot more accessible and filling the need for a greater supply of pilots in Indiana and nationwide.

“We are investing in adventure-seeking, aspiring aviators and offering them a world-class, innovative training program and a guaranteed, post-graduation pathway to a career at Republic,” said Matt Koscal, Senior Vice President of Republic Airways Holdings. “Opening this school in Indianapolis can be credited to the remarkable commitment by our state and city government leaders, our partnership with the Indianapolis Airport Authority and our desire to make aviation affordable and accessible to all interested students.”

Pending approval from the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) Board of Directors, the IEDC will offer Republic Airways up to $4 million in performance-based Skills Enhancement Fund (SEF) training grants and tuition assistance over a four-year period based on the company’s growth plans and work with Republic to identify other applicable grants and tuition assistance for training. The city of Indianapolis offered a 10-year personal property tax abatement contingent on future growth by the company.

Additionally, Republic Airways will partner with Vincennes University to provide flight training at LIFT Academy for VU flight students beginning in 2019, equipping students with access to the most technologically advanced training environment and the opportunity to become part of the Republic Airways career pathway program. LIFT Academy students will also have the option to further enhance their experience by pursuing an online associate's degree from VU.

“Republic’s continued investment in Indiana is a big win for our state and its workforce, especially in light of Republic’s plans to build a state-of-the-art training facility for future pilots and airline employees,” Governor Eric J. Holcomb said. “Today’s announcement means new jobs, new life on the airport property, and new investment in the people of Indiana. We’re full steam ahead to ensure Indiana’s talented Hoosiers are equipped with the skills they need for a 21st century economy.”

“We’re honored that Republic, Indy’s hometown airline, has chosen to expand in Indianapolis,” said Mario Rodriguez, Executive Director of the Indianapolis Airport Authority. “Through this community effort, Republic will address a critical need of the aviation industry creating a talent pipeline that is desperately needed to meet demand of worldwide aviation growth while also providing meaningful career opportunities for Indiana students.”

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