Skip Navigation

OU and United Airlines Celebrate Pipeline Program

NEWS
Representatives from the University of Oklahoma and United Airlines gather to cut a blue ribbon.
After remarks from University of Oklahoma and United Airlines representatives, OU and United celebrated the new partnership with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Photo by Travis Caperton.

OU and United Airlines Celebrate Pipeline Program

New partnership offers the most secure career path to the United flight deck


By

Kat Gebauer
kathryngebauer@ou.edu

Date

Oct. 29, 2024

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.


Recent News

Research
November 20, 2024

Eight New Proposals Awarded Strategic Equipment Investment Program Funding

Eight proposals have been funded by the Strategic Equipment Investment Program from the Office of the Vice President for Research and Partnerships. Equipment purchased under this program is expected to advance research and creative activities at the University of Oklahoma.


Research
November 20, 2024

New study finds decrease in earthquakes, varied pressure in Arbuckle Group

A study led by University of Oklahoma scientists gives new insight into pressure monitoring of the Arbuckle Group, a deep wastewater disposal reservoir in the mid-continental United States. The findings indicate that over three-and-a-half years, pressure in the Arbuckle has decreased while injections continue.


Campus & Community
November 19, 2024

From Classroom to Courtroom – How OU Law Prepares Students for Military Court Success

Third-year OU Law student Christina Kelly will do presents oral arguments in the case United States v. Menard at OU Law’s Dick Bell Courtroom on November 19. This opportunity comes to OU Law through the Air Force Court of Criminal Appeals’ Project Outreach, which allows law students the chance to draft a brief and present arguments in a live case.