Honoring National Hire a Veteran Day: How Piedmont Airlines can help veterans find the right job right now

Piedmont proudly employs military veterans

Piedmont Airlines, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the American Airlines Group, takes immense pride in its commitment to hiring military veterans, not just on National Hire a Veteran Day on July 25^th, but every day. Veterans bring a wealth of highly specialized training and transferable skills acquired during their military service, making them valuable assets to civilian employers like Piedmont Airlines. Piedmont Airlines operates nearly 400 daily departures to more than 55 cities throughout the Eastern United States from Charlotte, North Carolina, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Chicago, Illinois. Headquartered in Salisbury, Maryland, Piedmont Airlines employs over 10,000 aviation professionals. As its operations are set to double in size, reaching 100 aircrafts over the next few years, Piedmont Airlines is actively hiring additional team members, including skilled veterans, to fill roles in aircraft maintenance, flight operations, and ground handling.

Piedmont Airlines values what veterans bring to its operations. “Veterans learn so much in the military that makes them successful in the workplace,” shares Teri Klaverweiden, Talent Acquisition Manager for Corporate and Maintenance. “They come to Piedmont Airlines with industry experience, and we reward them with relevant experience bonuses. Veterans recognize that no matter their role, they can be effective leaders and possess direct skills required for their jobs.” Teri, along with her team, including two recruiters who are veterans, attend large recruiting events and air shows where there is a heavy military presence. Her team is working with Polytech School of Aviation Maintenance in Dover, Delaware, to recruit veterans who separate from nearby Dover Air Force Base and seek alliances with other schools who offer military refresher training.

According to Tricia Thompson, Piedmont Airlines Ground Handling Talent Acquisition Manager, no matter the position, veterans are equipped with an array of strengths that translate into an airport operation. “Veterans work well in a team environment, which is an essential part of airport operations,” shares Tricia. “Veterans possess a strong work ethic, the ability to adapt to changing situations, have a sense of responsibility and accountability, and naturally follow rules and schedules. All these strengths are desirable when hiring team members.” Tricia and her team participate in job fairs near military bases.

Brian diLorenzo, Manager of Talent Acquisition for Flight Operations Recruiting, and his team actively seek veteran pilots to come fly for Piedmont Airlines. “Military pilots come with an experienced skill set,” shares Brian. “They are trained to adhere to strict standard operating procedures and operate in high-pressure environments, which translates well to commercial aviation. They also have demonstrated skills in teamwork, communication, and leadership. These are all good transferable skills.”

Brian says his team wants to meet pilots where they are whether at bases or military-specific recruiting events. The Flight Operations Recruiting Team works with RecruitMilitary, an organization that connects military veterans and spouses with job opportunities, participates annually in Rotary to Airline Group’s (RTAG) national convention, and works hard to establish and foster relationships with veteran groups. “Hiring military pilots is important,” shares Brian. “Military pilots who were in command of a crew-based aircraft have qualifying upgrade time up to 500 hours. The military time that qualifies for upgrade time is what we are seeking and offering bonuses up to $100,000 for their experience.” Piedmont Airlines offers stability for pilots looking to transition to commercial aviation.

Piedmont Airlines is dedicated to actively reaching out to veterans through collaborations with non-profit organizations, targeted advertising in military publications, and participation in virtual and in-person career fairs. Piedmont Airlines also offers a community of support and networking for our military team members through the Veterans/Military Employee Resource Group.

If you are a veteran or military spouse interested in working for an airline that wholeheartedly supports military families, Piedmont Airlines currently has more than 100 jobs available for you to apply for on CareerBuilder.com or you can visit their website for more specific opportunities that may align with your area of expertise.