Twenty-five middle school students from New Hanover County spent a day this week seeing firsthand the variety of careers that power commercial aviation, taking off from Wilmington International Airport (ILM) on Avelo Airlines’ third annual career exploration flight.
Partnerships connect students to aviation jobs
The one-day trip, organized by Avelo Airlines in partnership with the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce and New Hanover County’s Career and Leadership Development Academy, flew students to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) and returned to Wilmington the same day. Students came from seven New Hanover County middle schools.
Program organizers said the goal was to introduce young people to a spectrum of roles in aviation beyond piloting — including flight attendants, airport operations, marketing, communications and airline scheduling — and to highlight the training and day-to-day responsibilities those jobs require.
Hands-on exposure aboard aircraft and at a major airport
During the flight, students had opportunities to speak with Avelo flight attendants about training, duties and life on the job. Once at BWI, airport staff described how a large international airport handles operations, attracts airlines and manages air traffic, giving students a behind-the-scenes look at the systems that keep air travel moving.
After returning to Wilmington, participants were invited to tour the flight deck of an Avelo Boeing 737. First Officer Mikka Yamane spoke with the group about flight training, operational checklists and the tools pilots use, offering a technical glimpse into cockpit procedures.
"third annual career exploration flight"
Educators and partners describe the annual event as an early exposure program designed to widen students’ view of career options and the pathways to them.
- Participants: 25 middle school students from seven New Hanover County schools
- Organizers: Avelo Airlines, Wilmington Chamber of Commerce, New Hanover County Career and Leadership Development Academy
- Itinerary: Same-day round trip from ILM to BWI with airport tours and aircraft access
Local implications for workforce and education
Programs like this align with broader efforts by local educators and economic development groups to connect students with career pathways early. Wilmington and New Hanover County have been cultivating partnerships among schools, chambers of commerce and industry to address a regional need for skilled workers in transportation, logistics and service sectors.
For students, a trip that combines classroom learning with real-world observation can clarify what additional coursework, certifications or college programs they might pursue. For employers and the airport community, exposing young residents to aviation careers can help create a local pipeline of future employees trained and familiar with regional infrastructure.
Officials with the Wilmington Chamber and the county’s Career and Leadership Development Academy did not provide additional comments beyond the program details, but the presence of multiple partners and Avelo’s ongoing commitment suggest the event is intended as a recurring element of local career education offerings.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Number of students | 25 |
| Participating schools | Seven New Hanover County middle schools |
| Departure/Return airport | Wilmington International Airport (ILM) |
| Destination | Baltimore/Washington International (BWI) |
| Carrier | Avelo Airlines |
As Wilmington and the surrounding region consider long-term workforce needs, events that marry education and industry offer concrete steps for young residents to discover career opportunities close to home. The continuation of Avelo’s career exploration flights may expand that exposure in coming years, particularly if organizers broaden participation or add follow-up programming within schools.
