Training & Certification
Delta DREAM Flight Celebrates 25 Years Inspiring Future Aviators
Delta marks 25 years of its DREAM Flight program, inspiring thousands of students from diverse backgrounds toward aviation careers through mentorship and immersive experiences.
A Quarter-Century of Flight: How Delta is Shaping the Future of Aviation
For 25 years, a unique initiative has been quietly but powerfully changing the face of the aviation industry. Delta Air Lines’ annual DREAM Flight is more than just a trip; it’s a dedicated effort to open the flight deck doors to the next generation of aviators, engineers, and aerospace leaders. By providing students, particularly those from underrepresented communities, with direct access to industry professionals and immersive experiences, the program aims to turn childhood dreams into tangible career paths. It stands as a testament to the idea that inspiration, when coupled with opportunity, can create a powerful tailwind for success.
The significance of the DREAM Flight lies in its foundational partnerships with the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP). This long-standing collaboration is built on a shared mission: to foster and widen the pipeline of talent entering the aerospace sector. The program isn’t just about showing students an airplane; it’s about showing them a future. Through mentorship and hands-on educational events, it systematically breaks down perceived barriers and demonstrates that careers in aviation are attainable for anyone with the passion and drive to pursue them.
Over its two-and-a-half-decade history, the program’s impact is clear. The DREAM Flight has reached over 4,000 students, many of whom have since transitioned from inspired passengers to industry professionals. They are now the pilots, engineers, and mentors carrying the torch forward, proving the program’s model for success. The 25th-anniversary flight is not just a celebration of a milestone but a recognition of a legacy that continues to build a more diverse and inclusive sky for all.
The Power of Representation and Mentorship
A core principle of the DREAM Flight is the unwavering focus on representation. For many aspiring aviators, the journey begins with a simple but profound moment: seeing someone who looks like them in a position they aspire to hold. The program intentionally creates these moments, often featuring all-Black crews to send a clear message to the students on board. It’s a direct answer to the historical lack of diversity in the cockpit and in high-level aerospace roles.
This philosophy is embodied by figures like First Officer Dana Nelson, who became Delta’s first Black woman pilot in 2001. Her presence on the 25th-anniversary flight underscores the program’s mission. “When I was growing up, I didn’t see anyone who looked like me flying planes,” Nelson shared. “Now, when these students see me, they know it’s possible. Representation makes all the difference.” This sentiment is the engine of the DREAM Flight, transforming abstract goals into visible, achievable realities for hundreds of students each year.
Mentorship provides the flight path that follows the initial spark of inspiration. The program connects students with active professionals who can offer guidance and share their own journeys. Delta Captain Justin Mutawassim, a mentor to 17-year-old participant Hayden Lynch, explained the impact of this connection. “When I met my first Black pilot, that’s when I realized I could do it too,” he said. “Now, I get to show these students, especially Hayden, that they can follow that same path.” This cycle of mentorship is what sustains the program’s impact long after the flight has landed.
“Being able to take what everyone poured into me as a student on the DREAM Flight, to now being a Delta pilot and carrying the torch forward is a full circle moment… I’m an example of the impact that these programs can make – and that dreams really do come true.” – Kyle Foley, Delta First Officer and former DREAM Flight participant.
The Landmark 25th Anniversary Journey
To mark its 25th year, the DREAM Flight created an unforgettable experience for more than 100 students from the Atlanta area. The journey, designated Delta Flight 2025, departed from Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, marked by a celebratory water salute from the airport’s firefighters. The destination was carefully chosen to bridge the history of aviation with its boundless future: NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. This choice provided a unique backdrop for inspiring students to aim for the highest levels of achievement in aerospace.
The flight itself was a lesson in excellence. A Boeing 757 was commanded by Captain Lyob Makonnen and First Officer Dana Nelson, whose pioneering career served as a living example of the program’s goals. Upon arrival, the students were immersed in the world of space exploration. They explored exhibits featuring historic rockets and shuttles and engaged with simulators that brought the experience of flight to life. The day was highlighted by a panel discussion with Black aerospace professionals, who shared personal stories and practical advice, further connecting the students’ aspirations to the real-world industry.
The experience resonated deeply with the participants. For 17-year-old Hayden Lynch, the day was a powerful affirmation of his ambitions. “It’s amazing, seeing people who’ve done it and who look like me. It makes me believe I can do it too,” he said. “My dream is to become a Delta pilot one day, and inspire others just like they inspired me.” His mother, Lyvette Marsh, noted that his passion began with his first drone, a passion now being nurtured by direct industry engagement. This blend of personal passion and professional encouragement is precisely what the DREAM Flight is designed to foster.
Conclusion: Securing the Flight Path for Future Generations
After 25 years, the Delta DREAM Flight has solidified its role as a vital incubator for talent and a beacon of opportunity in the aviation industry. By consistently focusing on the powerful combination of representation and mentorship, the program has created a sustainable and impactful model for change. It has successfully demonstrated that investing in the next generation is not just a corporate responsibility but a strategic imperative for the future of aerospace. The thousands of students who have participated are a living legacy of this commitment.
Looking ahead, the principles behind the DREAM Flight are more relevant than ever. As the aviation industry continues to evolve, the need for a diverse, skilled, and inspired workforce is paramount. Initiatives like this do more than just fill seats on a single flight; they build a broader, more inclusive pipeline of talent that will lead the industry for decades to come. The DREAM Flight’s enduring success serves as a blueprint for how organizations can actively shape a future where the sky is truly open to everyone.
FAQ
Question: What is the Delta DREAM Flight?
Answer: The DREAM Flight is an annual event by Delta Air Lines, in partnership with the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP), designed to inspire students, particularly from underrepresented groups, to pursue careers in aviation and aerospace through mentorship and immersive experiences.
Question: How long has the DREAM Flight program been running?
Answer: The program celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2025, having been launched in the year 2000.
Question: Who participates in the DREAM Flight?
Answer: The flight hosts students who have an interest in aviation. The 25th-anniversary flight included more than 100 students from the Atlanta area.
Question: What was the destination for the 25th-anniversary flight?
Answer: The flight departed from Atlanta and flew to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida to provide students with a unique educational experience related to aerospace history and its future.
Sources
Photo Credit: Delta Air Lines
Training & Certification
CAE Adds Four Business Jet Simulators Across the Americas
CAE deploys four full-flight simulators in the Americas for the Global 6500, Praetor 600, PC-24, and CJ4 amid talent shortage.
Canadian training provider CAE announced the deployment of four additional full-flight simulators across the Americas on October 20, 2026, expanding localized training capacity for high-demand business jets.
Revealed during the National Business Aviation Association’s Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) in Las Vegas, Nevada, the expansion targets a projected long-term shortage of aviation professionals. In a press release, the company stated the new hardware will support training for the Bombardier Global 6500, Embraer Praetor 600, Pilatus PC-24, and Cessna Citation CJ4.
Expanding localized training capacity
The addition of the four simulators is designed to align CAE’s global training network with growing customer and fleet demand. By placing training hardware closer to where operators require it, the company aims to reduce the need for flight crews to travel long distances for initial and recurrent training.
While the specific cities or training center locations for the four new simulators within the Americas region were not detailed in the October 20 announcement, the deployment fits into a broader strategy of regionalized training hubs.
Alexandre Prévost, President of Civil Aviation at CAE, noted the importance of localized access for operators.
“These simulator deployments expand access to high-quality training on the aircraft our customers fly, where they need it, while delivering the quality and experience they expect from CAE. It’s about helping crews stay ready, perform at their best and fly safely.”
Addressing the aviation talent shortage
The business aviation sector is experiencing sustained growth, driving a long-term need for qualified personnel. According to CAE’s Aviation Talent Forecast, the industry will require 102,000 new business aviation professionals worldwide by 2034.
That projection comprises 33,000 new business aviation pilots and 69,000 maintenance technicians. Prévost stated that as business aviation demand grows, the company is strengthening its global training network to meet the evolving needs of operators facing these workforce pressures.
CAE’s decade of business aviation growth
Over the past decade, CAE has nearly doubled its business aviation training capacity. The company’s global business aviation training network now includes more than 130 full-flight simulators.
To support this infrastructure, CAE employs approximately 1,000 instructors worldwide. Together, this network delivers more than 300,000 hours of training annually across both pilot and maintenance disciplines.
AirPro News analysis
The decision to deploy simulators for the Global 6500, Praetor 600, PC-24, and CJ4 reflects the current delivery mix and utilization rates in the Americas. By distributing simulator capacity regionally rather than centralizing it, training providers are directly addressing operator concerns about crew downtime. In a tight labor market where 33,000 new business aviation pilots are needed over the next decade, minimizing the days crews spend traveling to training events becomes a competitive advantage for both the operators and the training providers they select.
Photo Credit: CAE
Training & Certification
Bombardier Opens Wichita Training Center in $50M Investment
Bombardier inaugurated its North American Learning Center in Wichita, Kansas, training 250 mechanics annually as part of a $50M site expansion.
Bombardier Inc. inaugurated its first dedicated in-house skills development facility for United States aircraft technicians on October 15, 2026, anchoring an approximately $50 million investment in its Wichita, Kansas, operations.
The North American Learning Center and an expanded wheel and tire shop are designed to address industry-wide skilled labor constraints by internalizing mechanic training and boosting component repair capacity. In a press release issued on October 15, the Canadian manufacturer stated the investment ensures a steady pipeline of qualified personnel to support its growing network of 10 American service centers.
Training infrastructure and capacity
The newly opened North American Learning Center represents a strategic shift for Bombardier in how it prepares its aftermarket workforce. The facility features a retired Bombardier Global 5000 fuselage mounted on jack stands. This setup allows students to practice maintenance procedures on an actual airframe without the risk of damaging a customer aircraft.
According to reporting by Aviation International News and the Wichita Business Journal, the center will host two-week training courses for cohorts of up to 40 students. Over the next 12 months, Bombardier expects approximately 250 newly hired aircraft technicians and mechanics to pass through the curriculum.
The facility also incorporates dedicated back shops where trainees practice foundational aviation maintenance skills, including sheet metal fabrication, safety wire twisting, and digital manual navigation. Bombardier plans to expand the curriculum in the future to include advanced maintenance training and interior removal and installation courses.
Component repair expansion
Alongside the training center, the $50 million investment funded a significant modernization of the Wichita site’s wheel and tire shop. The upgraded facility is projected to double its throughput from 2,300 units last year to 5,000 units this year.
Once fully ramped up, the expanded shop will have the capacity to service 15,000 wheels and tires annually. This increased Component Repair and Overhaul (CR&O) capability is intended to directly support the company’s distributed service network across the country.
Paul Sislian, Executive Vice President of Aircraft Sales and Bombardier Aftermarket Services, highlighted the dual focus of the investment.
“Our approximately $50 million investment brings together important initiatives across the site, from the new Learning Center to expanded wheel and tire capabilities, strengthening both our people and our operations,” Sislian said. “This commitment to Wichita’s future will deepen the expertise and capabilities that will allow us to deliver an even stronger experience for our customers, while position the site for continued growth.”
Transitioning the Air Capital footprint
The October 15, 2026, inauguration marks the latest phase in Bombardier’s repositioning of its Wichita footprint. Known historically as the “Air Capital of the World,” the city was the manufacturing home of the Learjet program for six decades.
Bombardier announced the end of Learjet production on February 11, 2021, to focus resources on its more profitable Challenger and Global aircraft families. The final Learjet 75 rolled off the Wichita assembly line on March 28, 2022.
Rather than drawing down its presence following the end of aircraft manufacturing at the site, Bombardier designated the one-million-square-foot facility as its United States headquarters on April 19, 2022. The location also became the base for the newly launched Bombardier Defense division, alongside an existing major service center and flight test center.
Today, Bombardier employs 1,500 people in Kansas out of a total United States workforce of 3,500. The company reports an annual supplier spend of $2.5 billion across the country.
Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, who attended the inauguration alongside Lieutenant Governor David Toland, noted the state’s ongoing relationship with the manufacturer.
“Since 2019, my administration has partnered with Bombardier to build up the company’s presence in Wichita, which today now includes the new Learning Center, Bombardier Group’s U.S. headquarters, home of Bombardier Defense and the employment of 1,500 Kansans,” Kelly said.
AirPro News analysis
The aviation aftermarket is currently constrained by a severe shortage of skilled labor. By moving technician training in-house and simultaneously expanding component repair capacity, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) like Bombardier are acknowledging that physical hangar space is no longer the primary bottleneck to aftermarket growth. We view this $50 million investment as a defensive strategy to protect service revenue. If an OEM cannot guarantee a steady supply of qualified mechanics and overhauled components, its expanded service centers cannot operate at capacity. Internalizing the training pipeline reduces reliance on third-party technical schools and ensures new hires are immediately productive on specific airframes like the Global 5000.
Photo Credit: Bombardier Inc.
Training & Certification
FAA Approves First US G600 G700 Convertible Simulator
FAA certifies FlightSafety International’s Gulfstream G600/G700 convertible Level D simulator in Long Beach, CA.
The FAA has approved FlightSafety International’s new Gulfstream G600 and G700 convertible Level D Full-Flight Simulator, establishing the first dual-configuration training device for the aircraft types in the United States.
Announced in a company press release on October 1, 2026, the approval allows the training provider to serve operators of both the Gulfstream GVII and GVIII platforms from a single device at its Long Beach, California, facility. The certification addresses a growing domestic requirement for pilot training capacity as the G700 fleet expands.
Expanding domestic training capacity
The new simulator was engineered and manufactured at FlightSafety International’s facility in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, before installation at the Long Beach Learning Center. The convertible design allows the device to switch between G600 and G700 configurations, optimizing scheduling for type-rated pilots.
Ben Carter, Executive Vice President of Learning Center Operations at FlightSafety International, stated that the new convertible simulator reflects the company’s commitment to providing innovative training solutions.
“By enabling multiple aircraft configurations within a single device, we are helping customers optimize training access while maintaining the highest standards of fidelity and safety,” Carter said.
The Long Beach approval follows a similar certification in Asia. In August 2026, the FAA certified the company’s other G600 and G700 convertible device in Singapore for G600 training, which currently serves regional operators.
Technical specifications and capabilities
The Long Beach device is certified as a Level D Full-Flight Simulator, the highest level of flight simulator qualification, requiring a comprehensive aerodynamic model and a full motion platform.
The simulator is equipped with the company’s proprietary VITAL 1150 image generator and a 42-inch electric motion base. The system supports advanced training requirements, specifically including steep approach operations for the G600.
Gulfstream fleet expansion and training demand
The introduction of the convertible simulator aligns with the operational growth of Gulfstream’s ultra-long-range business jet portfolio. The G600 entered service in August 2019, establishing a mature operator base requiring recurrent training.
Demand for G700 training is currently accelerating following the aircraft’s recent entry into service. The FAA granted type certification for the G700 on March 29, 2024, and Gulfstream commenced customer deliveries on April 23, 2024.
FlightSafety International, a wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway since 1996, is marking its 75th anniversary in 2026. The company provides training to aviation professionals from more than 170 countries and operates one of the largest global fleets of advanced flight simulators.
AirPro News analysis
We view the deployment of convertible simulators as a necessary capital efficiency strategy for training providers managing the transition between aircraft generations. Because the G700 fleet is still in its early delivery phase, a dedicated G700 simulator might experience lower utilization rates in the near term. By combining GVII and GVIII configurations into a single Level D device, FlightSafety International can maintain high utilization through the established G600 market while simultaneously absorbing the growing wave of initial type-rating demand for the G700.
Photo Credit: FlightSafety International
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