AUGUSTA (WGME) -- Regional airports across the country are feeling the impacts of an ongoing pilot shortage, and Maine is no exception.
According to the Regional Airline Association, airports in Maine have seen a 20-25 percent reduction in flights, on average, since 2019.
The agency says regional airlines provide 87 percent of air service to the state of Maine.
At the Portland International Jetport, managers say they've faired better than many airports but have still seen 20 percent fewer flights. While the airlines servicing Portland have cut back in flight frequency, they have added larger planes to their current routes, meaning the same amount of people can be on a flight with fewer pilots.
"We're just large enough of a market where we can support those 130-seat airplanes," assistant airport manager Zach Sundquist said. "If you have two pilots and they can fly 150 passengers or they can fly 30 passengers, of course you want them flying the 150. So that's we've seen that kind of evolution within our industry."
While the pilot shortage is being blamed for a lot of those flight reductions across the country, a possible solution could be found in Maine.
The University of Maine at Augusta has recently reinvested in its Pilot Training Program in hopes of helping to recruit the next generation.
"We feel like we lost a couple generations and now we're trying to get those generations back, and I think that we are," program coordinator Greg Jolda said. "We've got a pipeline from the high schools and they're coming in now so we're building that all up as an attempt to move the students through."
The university recently purchased a new state-of-the-art training plane for in-flight classes out of the Augusta State Airport.
The program is also using virtual reality to help cut down on flight costs as well. Computer programs, VR goggles and an on the ground simulator are all give the same experience as being in the air, but make the program much for affordable.
"We have tried to make it the best economic purchase that they make," Jolda said.
With some graduates already piloting regional routes in Maine, the hope is this next generation being brought through the program can help bridge a gap in the industry.
"Everybody out of here gets a job, so what else can you say about that," Jolda said. "That's what you want. You want to build somebody, build their skills and you want them go on and have success."