Republic Airways launches Aviation Training Academy In Indianapolis

Staff Report
TheStatehouseFile.com

INDIANAPOLIS — Republic Airways announced Thursday that it will open a U.S.-based aviation training school in Indianapolis called Leadership In Flight Training Academy.

LIFT Academy, which will be located at Indianapolis International Airport, will train hundreds of students and professional aviators each year. Republic is opening LIFT Academy to make a career as a commercial pilot more accessible to all by reducing the high cost of flight training.

“We are investing in adventure-seeking, aspiring aviators and offering them a world-class, innovative training program and a guaranteed, post-graduation pathway to a career at Republic,” said Matt Koscal, senior vice president of Republic Airways, in a news release.

This training program will bring 600 new full-time jobs to the state by 2028. Gov. Eric Holcomb said in a written statement that Republic’s investment in Indiana is a “big win” for the state and the workforce.

“Today’s announcement means new jobs, new life on the airport property, and new investment in the people of Indiana,” Holcomb said. “We’re full steam ahead to ensure Indiana’s talented Hoosiers are equipped with the skills they need for a 21st-century economy.”

LIFT Academy will be one of the largest aviation schools in the U.S. with the potential enrollment of 300-400 students each year, helping with the large need for more pilots in Indiana and nationwide.

The academy will also team up with Vincennes University to offer training to students in the flight training program.

“Today’s announcement creates an entry point for hundreds of individuals to pursue a successful career in aviation,” said Mayor of Indianapolis Joe Hogsett in a statement. “With cutting-edge technology to train its students and the infrastructure of Indy’s world-renowned airport, this new training campus will have an impact on our community for generations.”

Student enrollment opened Thursday. Aviation classes start in September.

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