United Airlines to Buy a Flight Training Academy

United Airlines has signed a purchase agreement for the Westwind School of Aeronautics in Phoenix, Arizona.

The flight training academy will become an extension of United's Aviate Academy, giving the airline more visibility and direction over the recruitment, development and training of future pilots.

United expects approximately 300 students to graduate from the United Aviate Academy in its first full year of operation, and anticipates hiring more than 10,000 pilots by 2029.

"We have developed the Aviate program in collaboration with the Air Line Pilots Association, International to have greater influence on the next generation of aviators at United," said Captain Bebe O'Neil, United's managing director of Aviate. "Launching our own academy provides us with the unique opportunity to not only ensure we maintain the ideal number of quality candidates within our pilot pipeline, but also play a significant role in recruiting, developing and welcoming those with diverse backgrounds to the United family."

In addition to launching the flight academy, United plans to reduce financial barriers to joining the program, making the dream of becoming a United pilot even more accessible to more individuals.

 The carrier is currently engaging with financial institutions with the goal of making attractive financing terms – such as industry-tailored grace periods and competitive interest rates – available to qualified individuals.

Additionally, United plans to launch a scholarship program specifically focused on encouraging women and minorities to consider joining the United family.

Aviate partners currently include:

· Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
· Western Michigan University
· Lufthansa Aviation Training Academy
· University of North Dakota
· Hillsboro Aero Academy
· US Aviation Academy
· Flight Safety International
· Ameriflight
· Boutique Air
· ATP Flight School
· ExpressJet
· CommutAir
· Air Wisconsin
· Mesa Airlines
· Florida Institute of Technology

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