Spartan Education Group Presents Virtual Keynote “Beyond the Runway” with Former American Airlines CEO Doug Parker

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Spartan Education Group is proud to announce its upcoming aviation-focused virtual keynote event, Beyond the Runway, featuring distinguished aviation leader Doug Parker, former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of American Airlines. The event will be held on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at 3:00 PM PDT | 4:00 PM MDT | 5:00 PM CDT | 6:00 PM EDT, and will be streamed live for attendees nationwide.

Spartan Education Group operates a network of aviation training institutions, including Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology, McAir Aviation, and Illinois Aviation Academy, dedicated to training students for potential careers in aviation. Collectively, these schools have trained more than 100,000 pilots and aviation technicians and remain committed to training the next generation of aviation professionals.

Doug Parker brings to the event not only his decades of leadership in aviation, including guiding American Airlines through major industry transformations, but also insight from his work post-retirement as co-founder of Breaking Down Barriers (BDB). BDB is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that is dedicated to guiding talented individuals from underserved communities to pursue pilot training through scholarships, mentorship, and outreach initiatives.

The Beyond the Runway keynote is designed for anyone exploring aviation training or career insight in the industry. “We are thrilled to welcome Doug Parker as our Beyond the Runway keynote guest,” said Robert Polston, Chief Executive Officer of Spartan Education Group. “His leadership and philanthropic vision amplify the exciting possibilities available to those training for potential aviation careers. We invite our nationwide current student body, alumni, and all who aspire to enter this field, to take part in this inspirational event.”

Parker has emphasized that in aviation, “there are no shortcuts.” The discipline required to complete aviation training mirrors the perseverance and commitment needed for long-term success in the industry. The event will give attendees a firsthand opportunity to hear his perspectives on leadership, industry evolution, and aviation careers.

Registration for Beyond the Runway is free and open to anyone interested in aviation, from high school students to prospective trainees, all are welcome. Register for the event online HERE.

About Spartan Education Group

Spartan Education Group, LLC (SEG), headquartered in Chicago, IL, operates McAir Aviation flight school in Broomfield, CO and Illinois Aviation Academy in West Chicago, IL. Separately, SEG acquired Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology in 2012. Spartan College, established in 1928, has trained over 100,000 pilots and aviation technicians at its four campuses located in the following areas: Tulsa, OK, Los Angeles and Riverside, CA, and Denver, CO.