Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, globally recognized as a premier institution for aviation and aerospace education, has announced an exciting collaboration with United Airlines. This partnership introduces the Aviate program, a United Career Path Program designed to offer Embry-Riddle flight students a clear and direct route to becoming a First Officer at United Airlines. This initiative provides a structured and supportive pathway for students to transition from university to a leading global airline.
University President P. Barry Butler highlighted the significance of this united career path program, stating, “Through the Aviate program, Embry-Riddle flight students can confidently embark on a career trajectory meticulously designed to match their growing expertise. As they accumulate crucial flight hours and cultivate themselves into future aviation leaders, they are simultaneously positioning themselves for rewarding, high-paying careers.” He further emphasized, “This represents an exceptional and added career advantage for our highly sought-after flight students. We are proud to collaborate with United in our shared commitment to developing a robust and skilled aviation workforce.”
The Aviate program extends its reach to students across Embry-Riddle’s prestigious residential campuses in Daytona Beach, Florida, and Prescott, Arizona. The program’s implementation and oversight will be expertly managed by the Deans of the College of Aviation, Dr. Alan Stolzer at Daytona Beach and Dr. Tim Holt at Prescott, ensuring a consistent and high-quality experience for all participating students within this united career path program.
Curt Brunjes, Managing Director of Pilot Strategy at United Airlines, underscored the strategic importance of the Aviate program. “United’s Aviate program stands as a cornerstone of our comprehensive strategy to expand the pool of exceptional talent joining United. We are delighted to partner with Embry-Riddle, a distinguished aviation university renowned for its decades-long legacy of leadership in aviation education and its commitment to preparing future leaders for both the cockpit and broader aviation industry roles.” This united career path program is a testament to United’s proactive approach to talent acquisition.
United Airlines has set an ambitious goal to recruit and employ over 10,000 pilots within the upcoming decade. The united career path program through Aviate is crucial to achieving this objective.
Embry-Riddle’s inclusion in the Aviate program places it within an elite network of leading universities, professional flight training organizations, Part 135 operators, and United Express carriers. The Aviate™ program is specifically tailored to support both university flight students and experienced commercial pilots seeking to advance their professional trajectories within a united career path program. Current Embry-Riddle flight students and recent alumni working as certified flight instructors at the university are eligible to apply, provided they maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 in their aviation major.
Dr. Michael Wiggins, Professor and Chair of Aeronautical Science at Embry-Riddle’s Daytona Beach Campus, emphasized the significance of airline partnerships in the current aviation landscape. “In light of the global shortage of qualified pilots and aviation maintenance professionals, initiatives like the Aviate™ program are not just beneficial—they are indispensable for both aspiring students and the long-term health of the aviation industry.” These programs, like this united career path program, play a vital role in nurturing the next generation of aviation professionals.
