Dhaka: United Airlines officially became the only major US carrier to open its own flight training school on January 27. The grand opening of the United Aviate Academy was a historic moment for the airline as it works towards a goal of training 5,000 new pilots at the school by 2030.

The airline is specifically aiming for at least half of its new trainees to be women or people of color in a move to diversify this specific segment of the airline industry. United is already well on its way to reaching that benchmark, with 80 per cent of the inaugural class of future pilots identifying as women or people of color.

"Our pilots are the best in the industry and have set a high standard of excellence," said Scott Kirby, CEO, United Airlines as he welcomed the new students to the United Aviate Academy.

"Recruiting and training even more people who have that same level of talent, motivation, and skill is the right thing to do and will make us an even better airline."

Kirby was joined by United president Brett Hart and Federal Aviation Administration deputy administrator Brad Mims, as well as other government officials, at the inaugural event, where they discussed ways to make the pilot career path more accessible. United's plans include targeted recruiting, strategic partnerships, and scholarship and financial aid solutions.

The first class of United Aviate Academy students will undergo a yearlong training programme. Once complete, the students will move on to building their flight and leadership skills through the academy's partner universities, professional flight training organisations, and United Express carriers — all steps toward becoming an official United Airlines pilot.