United Airlines has solidified its commitment to nurturing the next generation of pilots by establishing a significant partnership with Purdue University’s School of Aviation and Transportation Technology. This collaboration, announced on Tuesday, March 22, 2022, at Purdue University Airport, introduces a direct career pathway for aspiring pilots from the university’s esteemed aviation program to the flight decks of United Airlines.
This strategic alliance positions Purdue University as one of only ten universities to be officially recognized as a United Airlines Aviate partner. Aviate is United’s comprehensive pilot career development program designed to provide both aspiring and experienced pilots with a well-defined route to a fulfilling and potentially lifelong career at United Airlines, a leader in the global aviation industry.
The partnership immediately opens doors for Purdue University students and Certified Flight Instructors (CFIs) within the School of Aviation and Transportation Technology. Eligible individuals can now apply to the Aviate program and, upon successful acceptance, receive a conditional job offer from United Airlines. This provides a significant advantage, offering a clear vision for their future careers while still pursuing their education and building flight experience.
Captain Curtis Brunjes, Managing Director of Aviate and Pilot Strategy at United Airlines, emphasized the critical need for new pilots in the coming years. “United intends to hire more than 10,000 pilots in the next decade,” stated Captain Brunjes. “With the largest fleet of widebody aircraft in North America and continuous growth, the demand for skilled and qualified pilots is substantial. Purdue University, renowned for its exceptional aviation program and the high caliber of its graduates, makes this partnership an ideal step in securing our future pilot pipeline.”
Participants accepted into the Aviate program from Purdue University will not only benefit from a structured career path to United Airlines but also gain exclusive opportunities to connect with the United family, receive invaluable mentorship from seasoned United pilots, and enjoy attractive travel privileges. This holistic approach aims to integrate future United pilots into the company culture early in their careers.
United Airlines seeks Aviate candidates who embody leadership qualities, demonstrating creativity, results-oriented thinking, and a strong aptitude for teamwork. Furthermore, ideal candidates will share United’s unwavering commitment to its “core4 service behaviors”: safety, caring, dependability, and efficiency. A genuine passion for the aviation industry and a dedication to continuous excellence are also highly valued attributes for prospective Aviate participants.
Eligibility for the Aviate program through Purdue University includes maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.0, remaining in good standing within Purdue’s professional flight major, and adhering to the university’s student code of conduct. Interested students must undergo a comprehensive selection process, starting with an online application via the Aviate website. This process includes a panel interview to assess interpersonal and leadership skills, a technical skills interview to evaluate aviation knowledge, and a personality and cultural fit inventory to ensure alignment with United’s values. Detailed information about the Aviate program and application requirements can be found on the official Aviate website.
Upon graduating from Purdue with a bachelor’s degree that meets Reduced-ATP (R-ATP) eligibility and obtaining a Commercial Pilot Certificate with Instrument Rating, Aviate participants will embark on the next phase of their career journey. This involves gaining crucial flight experience with a United Express Aviate partner airline. These partners include reputable regional carriers such as Air Wisconsin, CommutAir, GoJet Airlines, and Mesa Airlines. Alternatively, participants may choose to develop leadership skills in a Part 135 partner operational environment. After a minimum of 24 months of service and accumulating at least 2,000 flight hours (or 1,500 hours for those upgraded to captain at a United Express partner), participants are strategically positioned to transition to United Airlines as First Officers. This marks the exciting beginning of their ascent toward becoming future United Airlines Captains.
Captain Pete Zabel, a Purdue University professional flight program alumnus from the class of 2005, shared his personal journey and insights during the partnership announcement. “When a First Officer position becomes available at United, and you are at the top of the Aviate transition list, you will receive your United pilot class date,” Captain Zabel explained. He emphasized the importance of early enrollment in the program, stating, “The sooner students and instructors join Aviate, the higher their priority will be. Joining sooner rather than later accelerates the transition from flying with a United Express partner to realizing your dream career in the captain’s seat at United Airlines.”
Purdue University officials warmly welcomed the partnership with United Airlines and the Aviate pilot career development program, recognizing its immense value for their students. John Mott, Associate Professor and Head of Purdue’s School of Aviation and Transportation Technology, highlighted the shared values between the two institutions. “Our aim is to cultivate leadership skills, strong character, a passion for aviation, and an unwavering commitment to safety in each of our students,” Professor Mott stated. “These values are mirrored by United Airlines, making this collaboration a natural and synergistic fit. We are dedicated to playing a vital role in addressing the industry’s need for qualified pilots, and we are confident that many of Purdue’s future professional flight graduates will seize this exceptional opportunity to contribute to the continued success of United Airlines as valued United Airlines Partners.”
This partnership underscores United Airlines’ proactive approach to pilot recruitment and development, while providing Purdue University aviation students with an unparalleled pathway to a successful and rewarding career in the skies.
