Auburn, Ala. – September 24, 2026 -- NICHOLAS AIR, the largest independently owned Part 135 operator, is sponsoring Auburn University's Business Aviation Days, deploying pilots and a static aircraft display to recruit aspiring aviators and maintenance technicians directly from the school's aviation program.
NICHOLAS AIR ties recruitment to a fast-track jet pilot pipeline
The company's STEEL JET Pathway Program moves low-time pilots from the Cessna Caravan to jet cockpits within two to four years, positioning the sponsorship as a direct talent pipeline rather than a branding exercise.
Longevity incentives include luxury watches and jet cards
NICHOLAS AIR offers a Rolex or Bell & Ross watch to pilots reaching a five-year anniversary and a personal Jet Card at the ten-year mark, part of a home-based pilot model the company says drives retention in a tight aviation labor market.
"Business aviation requires operators who prioritize uncompromising safety, operational discipline, and exceptional service," said Abby Carlton, Director of Recruitment at NICHOLAS AIR. "Auburn's aviation program shares that standard of excellence."
Fleet spans six aircraft types across light and heavy jet categories
NICHOLAS AIR operates the Phenom 100 and 300E, Citation CJ3+, Citation Latitude, Bombardier Challenger 350, and Gulfstream G600, giving attendees exposure to flight deck roles across multiple aircraft classes during the event's sessions and static displays.