CLEVELAND, Ohio — There is a national pilot shortage across the country, likely due to an increase in air travel coupled with pilots leaving the business.

Brian Neff, the assistant dean of flight and operation for Kent State University, said there will be a huge demand for pilots over the next 15 to 20 years. 

Brett Bodensteiner is studying to become a pilot and hoping to fill that void. It's been his dream since he was a child. 

“Ever since I took my first family vacation, I was four years old I think and I still remember looking out of the window of the plane and we were just so high above the clouds and the cars and all that and they kind of looked like toys. That image just kind of stuck with me,” he said.

Allegiant Airlines partnered with Kent State University and other universities on a new program that will give some aviation students a clear path to a job and help fill the need for pilots. Students in the program will get an Allegiant mentor and a conditional job offer. 

“If I can have kind of that defined path and something that I know once I accomplish these goals that’s going to be waiting for me at the end, that’s huge advantage for me,” he said.

The program will help the students receive other credentials, too, Bodensteiner explained. 

“In order to go to a major U.S. airline they need to have turban time and a couple of other qualifications as well. This partnership will help us get those qualifications,” he said.

Allegiant’s new Pilot Pathway Program will help aviation students achieve their dreams. Sophomores, juniors and seniors can apply now.