NICHOLAS AIR Targets Auburn Aviation Students for Fleet Expansion

The company’s presence at the Auburn campus highlights its push to secure fresh talent for its fleet of aircraft, which includes the Phenom 100, 300E, and Gulfstream G600. Through the STEEL JET program, NICHOLAS AIR offers a structured transition from the Cessna Caravan to jet operations within a two-to-four-year window. Beyond technical training, the operator emphasizes its home-based pilot model and unique retention perks, such as luxury timepieces for five-year veterans and personal jet cards for those reaching a decade of service.

Abby Carlton, Director of Recruitment at NICHOLAS AIR, noted that the partnership reflects a strategy to align the company’s focus on safety and operational discipline with the training standards at Auburn. By positioning itself as an independent operator with a younger fleet, the firm aims to attract students who value professional longevity over the scale of larger commercial airlines. Attendees at the event can engage directly with current NICHOLAS AIR pilots and view the company’s static aircraft displays to better understand the career trajectory offered by the private aviation sector.