United Airlines has forged a significant partnership with Purdue University’s School of Aviation and Transportation Technology, creating a direct pathway for aspiring pilots to transition from academia to the flight decks of United aircraft. This collaboration, announced on Tuesday, March 22, 2022, at Purdue University Airport, underscores United’s commitment to nurturing future aviation professionals and addressing the growing demand for pilots in the industry.
This strategic alliance centers around United’s acclaimed Aviate program, a pilot career development initiative designed to provide both aspiring and experienced pilots with a clearly defined route to a fulfilling career at United Airlines. Purdue University stands out as one of only ten universities nationwide to be recognized as an official Aviate partner, highlighting the prestige and caliber of Purdue’s aviation program.
The partnership immediately opens doors for Purdue students and Certified Flight Instructors (CFIs) to apply for the Aviate program. Successful applicants will not only gain entry into this elite program but also receive a conditional job offer from United Airlines, providing them with a secure career trajectory upon graduation.
“United is on a trajectory to hire over 10,000 pilots in the coming decade,” stated Captain Curtis Brunjes, Managing Director of Aviate and Pilot Strategy. “With the largest fleet of widebody aircraft in North America, our expanding operations necessitate a robust pipeline of skilled pilots. Purdue’s aviation program is renowned for producing top-tier graduates, making this partnership an ideal match for our future talent needs.”
Participants in the Aviate program will benefit from a structured career path leading to United Airlines. Beyond career progression, Aviate offers unique advantages such as networking opportunities within the United family, mentorship from seasoned United pilots, and attractive travel privileges.
United Airlines seeks Aviate candidates who embody leadership qualities, demonstrating creative thinking, results-oriented approaches, and collaborative teamwork. Ideal candidates will also align with United’s “core4 service behaviors”: prioritizing safety, exhibiting care, ensuring dependability, and maximizing efficiency. A genuine passion for aviation and a dedication to continuous improvement are also highly valued attributes.
Minimum eligibility criteria for the Aviate program include maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.0, upholding good standing within Purdue’s professional flight major, and adhering to Purdue’s student code of conduct. Interested students are required to submit an application and undergo a comprehensive selection process, which includes panel and technical skill interviews, as well as a personality and cultural fit assessment. Detailed information is available on the Aviate website.
Upon earning a bachelor’s degree with R-ATP eligibility and a Commercial Pilot Certificate with Instrument Rating, Aviate participants will gain valuable flight experience with a United Express Aviate partner airline. These partners include Air Wisconsin, CommutAir, GoJet Airlines, and Mesa Airlines, offering diverse operational experience. Alternatively, participants may opt for a leadership role at a Part 135 partner. After 24 months of service and accumulating a minimum of 2,000 flight hours (or 1,500 hours for those promoted to captain at United Express), pilots will transition to United Airlines as first officers, embarking on their journey to potentially become United Airlines captains.
“When a first officer position becomes available at United and you are highly ranked on the Aviate transition list, you will be assigned a United pilot class date,” explained Captain Pete Zabel, a Purdue professional flight program alumnus from the class of 2005. “Early enrollment in Aviate increases your priority, facilitating a quicker transition from a United Express partner to your ultimate career goal: piloting a United aircraft as captain.”
Purdue University officials expressed enthusiasm for this partnership with United Airlines and the Aviate program.
“Our mission is to cultivate leadership skills, strong character, a deep passion for aviation, and an unwavering commitment to safety in our students,” stated John Mott, Associate Professor and Head of Purdue’s School of Aviation and Transportation Technology. “Purdue and United Airlines share these core values, making this collaboration a natural and synergistic fit. We are dedicated to contributing to the aviation industry by addressing the pilot shortage, and we are confident that many of our Purdue professional flight graduates will seize this exceptional opportunity to contribute to United Airlines’ ongoing success.”
This partnership between United Airlines and Purdue University represents a significant investment in the future of aviation, providing a structured and supportive pathway for talented individuals to achieve their dreams of flying for a major airline. For Purdue aviation students, the Aviate program offers an unparalleled opportunity to accelerate their careers and join the ranks of United Airlines pilots.
