The aviation industry is known for its highly coveted job of an airline pilot, but the rigorous and expensive training process poses as a major barrier for aspiring pilots. In the United States, airline transport pilot license (ATPL) holders are required to have logged at least 1,500 hours, significantly limiting the number of potential new pilots. This has led to a shortage of pilots in the US, resulting in the development of new airline-sponsored training programs.

While such programs are common in other parts of the world, they are relatively new in the US. These programs typically involve partnerships with selected universities and flight schools. They also offer a streamlined pathway for participants to become pilots for the sponsoring airline, often through placement at regional subsidiaries with the possibility of transferring to the mainline in the future. Here are the top pilot career-pathway programs in the US for 2025. Please note that while these programs are active, not all of them may be accepting new applicants.

United Aviate

A dedicated training campus

United Airlines’ Aviate program is marketed as the fastest and most direct route to a United mainline flight deck. The Chicago-based carrier has partnerships with 20 universities across the country that offer aviation degrees and flight training. Applicants who pass the internal screening process are required to complete assessments before undergoing a panel and technical interview.

United also operates the Aviate Academy, a full ab initio school for zero-time applicants located in Phoenix, Arizona. College students at partner universities can also join Aviate while studying aviation. However, those who are unable to attend the Phoenix campus or are not enrolled in a partner university must hold a commercial pilot’s license. Participants of the program are given preference for hiring at one of United’s six regional or Part 135 partners (CommuteAir, GoJet Airlines, Mesa Airlines, SkyWest Airlines, JSX, or Tradewind).

Once hired by one of these airlines, pilots must complete 1,200 hours as pilot-in-command with that airline, or in other words, as a captain. This means they must first be hired by the carrier and then upgrade to captain once their seniority allows. After completing 1,200 hours, they will be given the opportunity to interview with United. However, it is important to note that this does not guarantee a job offer or an interview. Essentially, this program prioritizes participants for hiring at United Airlines and its partners.

Destination 225°

Four flight school partners

For those aspiring to join the Southwest Airlines family, the Dallas-based carrier offers the Destination 225° program. It has four main pathway programs for cadets, university students, former military pilots, and current Southwest employees. The military pathway is the most straightforward, requiring former military pilots who do not meet Southwest’s hiring criteria to log the difference with Florida-based flight school SkyWarrior and complete an ATPL course with Bell Murray Aerospace if necessary.

The pathways for cadets and university students are similar, with the main difference being the