Southwest Airlines Partners with UNO for New Pilot Program

On Thursday, Southwest Airlines launched a new career program in partnership with Jet Linx Aviation and the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO).

The Destination 225° program provides opportunities for students in college aviation programs to become qualified candidates for future Southwest First Officer positions. On a compass, 225° is the southwest directional heading, and Destination 225° was developed to lead aspiring pilots to Southwest Airlines.

Future aviators who apply, interview, and are selected for the Destination 225° program will receive a Southwest mentor during their years of training, be invited to Southwest for training activities and events, and ultimately apply for selection as a Southwest Airlines First Officer.

“Destination 225° will allow us to develop world-class pilots who are ready to fly ‘The Southwest Way,’” said Alan Kasher, Southwest’s Vice President of Flight Operations. “This comprehensive pilot development mission is designed to make becoming a Southwest Pilot an attainable goal for passionate, qualified individuals.”

“Students in our professional flight program are already benefiting from the increased demand for pilots, but Destination 225° and this exciting partnership offers a unique opportunity for our students,” said UNO Aviation Institute Director Scott Tarry “Maverick aviators accepted into Destination 225° will be on course to work with the nation’s premier aviation companies as they train to become professional pilots and begin the pursuit of a career in aviation.”

University partners include UNO, Arizona State University, Southeastern Oklahoma State University and University of Oklahoma.