Scranton-based Marywood University is extending its Aviation Management program to the Philadelphia region through a new partnership at Wings Field airport in Blue Bell, Montgomery County.

The 25-year-old program's expansion comes amid growing industry demand as commercial pilots retire in record numbers and global shortages of certified pilots increase.

Through its partnership with flyGateway Aviation Institute, the university will now offer students in Southeastern Pennsylvania the opportunity to train closer to home.

"What Marywood University offers is a distinctive, professional, immersive aviation experience, which is more than just pilot training — students earn a business degree, in addition to flight certification," said Capt. Joseph McDonald, director of Marywood's Aviation Management program and a retired American Airlines captain.

The university offers two tracks: Pilot/Flight Operations for those seeking pilot certification, and Airline/Airport Management for students interested in the business side of aviation. Students can take nonpilot courses online while completing in-person flight instruction at the Blue Bell airport.

Training includes access to modern aircraft, including the 2022-2024 Piper Archer 100i with advanced electronic displays.

Unlike many aviation programs, Marywood allows students in the pilot track to begin flying during their freshman year.

"At Marywood University, we believe in learning by doing," said Anthony Nestico, assistant director of the program and a JetBlue first officer. "Most pilot programs make them wait until their sophomore or junior year before they ever get to fly a real airplane."

The university is now accepting inquiries for the Philadelphia-area program.

For more information, visit: marywood.edu/programs/featured/aviation-blue-bell.