Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum Partners with Hawaiian Airlines, West-MEC and the Si Robin Foundation to Launch A&P Certification Program for High School Students

News Release from Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum

Honolulu, HI – (Aug. 6, 2025) - Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, in partnership with Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines, West-MEC and the Si Robin Foundation, proudly announces the launch of its new Aviation Pathways: A&P Program—a no-cost, two-year training initiative designed to prepare Oʻahu high school juniors for careers in aviation maintenance and mechanics.

Set to begin Aug. 4, 2025, this immersive program offers students mentorship and hands-on instruction and technical knowledge needed to pursue an FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) license. The program will take place at the Civil Air Patrol Headquarters near Daniel K. Inouye International Airport and serve an initial cohort of 10 students from both Department of Education schools and Kamehameha Schools with classes Monday through Thursday and Fridays are devoted to their supporting high school. In a joint effort to support the launch of the program, Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines are providing key instructional and equipment resources. Hawaiian Airlines is contributing a full-time aviation maintenance A&P instructor from its existing workforce, while Alaska Airlines is equipping the classroom with 10 toolboxes to support hands-on student training.

“This is an incredible opportunity for students to get a jumpstart on a high-paying, high-demand career in aviation,” said John Hiltz, CEO of Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum. “We’re investing in the future of Hawai‘i’s workforce while honoring our aviation legacy.”

Students who complete the program will not only graduate high school but will be eligible to test for FAA certification and pursue roles such as Aviation Maintenance Technician, Aircraft Repairman, or Aircraft Quality Assurance Inspector.

“These partnerships lay a vital groundwork for Hawai‘i’s next generation of aviation professionals to launch their careers without leaving the islands,” said Jim Landers, senior vice president of technical operations at Hawaiian Airlines. “We’re excited about the possibility of welcoming some of these graduates into our ‘ohana, where they can thrive in a fulfilling career with Hawai‘i’s airline — right here at home.”

Programs like the Aviation Pathways: A&P Program are vital to building a stronger, more resilient Hawai‘i. By equipping local youth with specialized skills and career pathways, we’re not only investing in individual futures but in the long-term sustainability of our community. These initiatives help ensure that young people can remain in Hawai‘i, contribute meaningfully to the local economy, and carry forward a legacy of innovation, self-reliance and pride in place.

This groundbreaking program would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors and community partners. Their commitment to youth development, workforce readiness, and innovation in education is helping to shape the future of aviation in Hawai‘i. We extend our sincere gratitude to Hawaiian Airlines, West-MEC, Si Robin Foundation, Hawaii Wing of the Civil Air Patrol, Gen. Raymond Johns Jr., USAF (Ret.) and Eileen Mosolino, Rick and Teresa Price for making this opportunity accessible to Oʻahu’s next generation of aviation professionals.

To learn more about the program, how to support this initiative, and view all supporters visit: Aviation Pathways A&P Program

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About Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum

Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum is more than a museum—it’s a place where history, innovation, and inspiration come together. Located on Historic Ford Island, the site of the December 7, 1941 attack, the Museum stands on America’s World War II aviation battlefield. Visitors can walk through bullet-scarred hangars, see legendary aircraft like the Japanese Zero and B-17 Swamp Ghost, and hear the powerful stories of the heroes who changed the course of history. Beyond preserving the past, Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum is committed to shaping the future. Through youth programs, scholarships, and workforce development initiatives, the Museum educates and empowers the next generation. From signature events like PHAMily Fun Day to hands-on STEM experiences, flight simulators and more, the Museum connects people of all ages with the wonder of flight and the importance of history. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the Museum relies on donations, volunteers, and members to fulfill its mission: to steward America’s WWII aviation battlefield and inspire future generations through education and remembrance. Join us, support our work, or plan your visit at PearlHarborAviationMuseum.org.