NEWS
NORMAN, OKLA. – University of Oklahoma administration and representatives from United Airlines gathered today at Max Westheimer Airport to celebrate a new partnership between the OU School of Aviation and United Aviate, United’s pilot career development program. The University of Oklahoma has joined the ranks of United Aviate’s partner universities, creating a defined pathway to United for aspiring pilots.
“This outstanding program gives our students the opportunity to be part of the world’s largest airline. It also offers mentorship opportunities and a strong support system where our students can learn from experienced United pilots,” said Eric Wydra, director of OU’s School of Aviation. “We couldn’t be more excited to join the United Aviate family.”
This is the latest on a growing list of airlines with which OU has pathway partnerships, creating greater opportunities for graduates to move directly into the workforce. The new partnership offers OU students the most direct path toward careers as pilots for United Airlines.
“We are delighted to welcome the University of Oklahoma to the United Aviate program as part of our larger pilot development strategy,” said Michael Bonner, managing director of Aviate and pilot hiring at United. “With a strong record of preparing leaders in the aviation industry, we are proud to help current and future OU students continue their journeys to becoming professional pilots.”
When accepted into the Aviate program, students receive a conditional job offer for a First Officer role with the airline. To be eligible for the program, students must complete one year of full-time coursework in the School of Aviation and hold a private pilot license. Students who are accepted into the Aviate program are a top hiring priority for United's pilot hiring. Aviate students will have the opportunity to receive mentorship from United pilots and develop a deeper connection to the United team.
Learn more about the School of Aviation and United Aviate.
About United Airlines
At United, Good Leads The Way. With U.S. mainland hubs in Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, New York/Newark, San Francisco and Washington, D.C., United operates the most comprehensive global route network among North American carriers and is now the largest airline in the world as measured by available seat miles. For more about how to join the United team, please visit www.united.com/careers and more information about the company is at www.united.com. United Airlines Holdings, Inc., the parent company of United Airlines, Inc., is traded on the Nasdaq under the symbol "UAL".
About the University of Oklahoma
Founded in 1890, the University of Oklahoma is a public research university located in Norman, Oklahoma. As the state’s flagship university, OU serves the educational, cultural, economic and health care needs of the state, region and nation. For more information about the university, visit www.ou.edu.
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The University of Oklahoma and the Oklahoma Department of Aviation and Aerospace celebrated progress at OU’s Max Westheimer Airport on Friday, March 28. The completion of a new hangar project and the groundbreaking for the new control tower project are part of continued efforts to advance Norman’s airport and the city’s economic development.
