Amazon solving the mechanic shortage?

[donjohnston]

At Lakeland, FL by paying the bill for employees to get their A&P.

Amazon is hoping to address an industry shortage of aircraft mechanics.

International AeroTech Academy and Amazon Career Choice partner to certify new aircraft mechanics

Amazon employees can have their tuition partially or fully covered thanks to the new program bringing aircraft mechanic training to LAL.

laltoday.6amcity.com

 

[Bell206]

More like joining a number of other operators in protecting their future. The number of mechanic working apprenticeships and tuition grants have increased rather remarkably over the past 3-5 years. Unfortunately most were driven by the numbers mechanics retiring in the next 4-5 years vs building up the ranks. But hopefully it will spark an increased interest in the field.

 

[Doc Holliday]

Amazon will eventually build up a sizeable airline, and that airline needs mechanics. They are looking out for themselves.

 

[Todd82]

Amazon is paying to train mechanics when Amazon doesn't *operate* a single aircraft. Maybe LAL is a locale where ATSG and the other Amazon carriers had experienced a lack of help.

 

[Doc Holliday]

I believe the ultimate plan for Amazon is to eventually operate their own fleet.

 

[Bell206]

Amazon is paying to train mechanics when Amazon doesn't *operate* a single aircraft. Maybe LAL is a locale where ATSG and the other Amazon carriers had experienced a lack of help.

To add to the above, its just a matter of time before Amazon Air becomes an operator. Word on the street is it will probably happen in the next couple years since Amazon started buying their own aircraft vs lease plus buying financial positions in several of their current contract operators to include Atlas. Best guess is they'll buy out one of those operators and rebrand it. This really got attention when Amazon recently started flying 3rd party packages with their own stuff which put them in competition with FEDEX and UPS. Interesting times ahead.