Future TechOps careers take flight at the Atlanta Aviation Maintenance Academy hosted by Delta and the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals

At a time when workforce conversations are dominated by the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to reduce jobs, students at this year’s Atlanta Aviation Career Education (ACE) Academy were met with a different reality: careers in aviation — particularly in technical operations (TechOps) — aren’t going anywhere. In fact, they’re taking off.

For years, the Atlanta ACE Academy, co-sponsored by Delta and the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP), has fueled futures in flight by bringing middle and high school students to Delta’s Atlanta campus for a week-long camp that introduces them to the vast array of careers in aviation. The camp has recently increased visibility into TechOps careers — an area where the demand for talent is outpacing the candidate pool. 

“It was an obvious choice to support the Aviation Maintenance program,” said Cherise Burton, Operations Initiatives, Operations Planning & Performance at Delta and Director of the Atlanta Aviation Maintenance ACE Academy. “Through hands-on experience with real planes, we are offering a chance for students to see what makes TechOps so special and to envision a future career for themselves.”

This year, 45 middle and high school students from Atlanta and all over the country stepped into Delta's maintenance facilities, where they toured aircraft in active bays, learned how Delta TechOps uses drones (before building and operating their own) and gained industry insights from Delta technicians and leadership. As with past years, students also participated in activities across the spectrum of aviation roles, including a panel featuring Captain John Bailey, former Delta pilot and creator of the DREAM Flight, as well as navigating a flight simulator and much more. 

“When I think of Delta, I think pilots and flying. It was very cool how this program allowed me to see the whole team behind Delta,” said Ella Sawyer, a ninth grader participating in this year’s camp. “It was interesting to see the different sides of aviation and the conveyor belt of people who help these planes fly.”

Growing opportunities in TechOps: High demand, high earning potential

The ACE Academy Maintenance Camp offers a unique opportunity for students to learn about one of aviation's most accessible, high-growth career avenues. Aircraft maintenance technicians are highly sought after, with the industry aiming to attract upwards of 500,000 new technicians globally as tenured generations move towards retirement and fleets grow. Entry-level aviation TechOps jobs can start at ~$55,000 to ~$65,000 and above, with top tenured technicians regularly exceeding six figures. Unlike many high-paying careers, not all TechOps positions require a four-year degree. Most Aircraft Maintenance Technicians require a specialized license while others, like an Aircraft Support Mechanic, require skill and commitment — and knowledge that these opportunities exist.

Chantelle Bunting, a parent with three children in this year’s program shared: “This camp was a great insight into things my kids haven’t seen before. My son, who wants to be a pilot, was particularly surprised by the TechOps side of things and is interested in earning a certification as soon as he can…My kids are already asking me when they can apply for next year!”

Participation in the ACE Maintenance Academy grew 50 percent since last year alongside the longstanding pilot program, reinforcing students’ desire for viable, high-growth career paths. 

“I actually want to be able to work with my hands more, and that's why I looked towards aviation maintenance,” said Jordin Maclin, a high school senior and camp participant. “We were talking to line maintenance, and they got to tell me about the traveling they do, what their experience is like and their education. It inspires me to pursue this journey.”

Scaling TechOps at Delta

Delta’s TechOps is the largest airline maintenance operation in North America, with more than 13,000 team members. Through its fast-growing commercial maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) business, Delta technicians service over 150 other aviation and airline customers worldwide — on a path to generate $1.2 billion this year.

Delta CEO Ed Bastian recently spoke on the company’s technical prowess with Fox Business, saying: “[TechOps] is a great business for us to be in. We operate and serve as many of our other airlines’ engines as we do our own, and our people love continuing to grow that line of business.” 

From camp to career: Creating a runway to possibility

ACE Academy represents Delta’s commitment to exposing students from underrepresented groups to the world of aviation, as part of a broader effort to clear the runway for the best, most qualified future talent. 

Students who participate in the Atlanta ACE Academy aren’t just inspired. They leave with clarity about career possibilities at Delta and beyond. Burton added: “We don’t just show these students different career opportunities; we show them how to get there. Our volunteers are real employees doing this work; they are building connections with these students, handing out phone numbers and asking students to stay in touch.”

David Thompson, S.V.P. of Delta TechOps, reinforced this commitment: "Across Delta TechOps, we're not just focused on today's operations — we're building for tomorrow. Investing in programs like the ACE Academy gives students an opportunity to explore careers in aviation maintenance, learn from experienced professionals and see firsthand what this industry has to offer. That's how we help inspire the next generation of skilled technicians."

OBAP's ACE Academy operates at 46 locations nationwide, engaging 1,100 students annually through week-long immersive programs. Admission to Delta’s Atlanta ACE Academy — OBAP’s flagship program — is competitive, attracting applications from students ages 13-18 around the country. This year’s applicants spanned 10 states, with students from Florida, Indiana, Louisiana, Ohio and as far as the Virgin Islands attending.

Over a 21-year partnership, Delta and OBAP have given more than 4,000 youth immersive learning opportunities to explore pathways to aviation careers through initiatives including ACE Academy and the DREAM Flight.

For more information on how Delta is helping careers in aviation take flight, visit DeltaTakingAction.com to learn more about our workforce development programs, like TechU. To learn more about the ACE Academy, visit OBAP.org.