United Airlines Launches New Pilot Recruitment and Development Program

737 at Chicago O’ Hare International Airport
737 at Chicago O’ Hare International Airport

United Airlines Launches New Pilot Recruitment and Development Program

United Airlines recently announced the launch of Aviate, its new pilot recruitment program and career website, offering aspiring and established pilots more opportunities and the fastest paths to achieving their dreams and becoming a United First Officer and, ultimately, Captain.

According to a press release, the program’s signature, structured career pathways offer pilots at all stages of their journey – from college training to regional airline flying – the most direct path to flying for United, as well as the quickest progression from college to the rank of first officer of any major airline program in the industry. Due to retirements, attrition and projected growth, the company anticipates hiring more than 10,000 pilots by 2029.

“With nearly half of our 12,500 pilots retiring in the next decade, combined with a period of strong growth at our airline, United is uniquely positioned to offer pilots the opportunity to get where they want to go in their careers faster than ever,” said Bryan Quigley, United’s senior vice president of flight operations and chief pilot.

“With the most comprehensive global route network in the industry, and the most widebodies of any North American airline, United offers unparalleled opportunity for an exceptional and exciting career as we begin to welcome hundreds of new pilots every year,” Quigley continued.

Those who apply to Aviate and are successful in the selection process will receive a conditional job offer with United.

United is partnering with several of its regional United Express carriers, leading universities with established aviation programs, and training centers – including Lufthansa Aviation Training – to ensure pilots have the best opportunities to enroll in the program. Current Aviate United Express partners are Air Wisconsin, ExpressJet, Mesa Airlines and CommutAir.

For more information on Aviate, please visit unitedaviate.com.

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