Air Transport Services Group (ATSG) has announced that its maintenance subsidiary, Airborne Maintenance & Engineering Services (Airborne), has joined the US Department of Defense’s SkillBridge program, expanding career pathways for transitioning military personnel into the commercial aviation maintenance sector.
The initiative will be offered at Airborne’s facilities in Wilmington, Ohio, and Tampa, Florida, where eligible active-duty service members nearing the end of their military service will gain practical experience in commercial aircraft maintenance alongside experienced aviation professionals.
The SkillBridge program is designed to help service members transition into civilian careers by providing real-world industry exposure before they leave active duty. At Airborne, participants may also have the opportunity to continue their careers through AirborneTech, ATSG’s earn-while-you-learn aircraft maintenance technician training programme, creating a direct pathway into the aviation maintenance workforce.
Greg Mays, President and Chief Executive Officer of ATSG, said the aviation industry must continue investing in skilled talent to meet future workforce demands. He noted that military personnel bring valuable technical expertise, discipline and leadership, making them well suited for careers in aircraft maintenance. According to Mays, joining the SkillBridge program enables ATSG to support veterans’ transition into civilian employment while strengthening its long-term maintenance workforce.
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The latest initiative reinforces ATSG’s broader commitment to supporting veterans and military families. The company was recently recognised by Forbes as one of America’s Best Employers for Veterans, reflecting its continued focus on recruiting and developing skilled aviation professionals.
The programme is expected to contribute to the industry’s growing need for qualified aircraft maintenance technicians, as airlines and MRO providers worldwide continue to address workforce shortages and increasing maintenance demand.
