Oklahoma State partners with Southwest Airlines in pilot training program

Christopher Lane II, Oklahoman
Updated ·2 min read

Oklahoma State University announced this month it is partnering with Southwest Airlines to accelerate students into becoming qualified pilots.

OSU is joining Southwest's Destination 225 program, which aims to provide multiple pathways to students interested in the aviation industry. The University Pathway is the newest addition to the airline's qualifications opportunities, which already includes the Cadet, Military and Employee tracks.

Under this pathway, candidates can build their flight instruction time during their classes and become qualified pilots once they graduate, making them eligible for immediate employment at Southwest Airlines.

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"We are thrilled to partner with Southwest Airlines and offer our students this unique pathway to a career in aviation," Kenneth Sewell, dean of the OSU College of Education and Human Sciences, said in a news release. "We look forward to providing our students with hands-on training and exciting opportunities to work alongside professionals in the aviation industry and prepare them for successful careers."

Lee Kinnebrew, vice president of flight operations at Southwest Airlines, expressed similar enthusiasm for the new partnership.

"Southwest is pleased to welcome Oklahoma State University to our Destination 225° Program through the University Pathway," Kinnebrew said in a news release. "We look forward to working with Oklahoma State students as we continue to prepare and inspire the next generation of Aviation talent who will join the Southwest family."

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The program offers four concentrations: aerospace security, aviation management, professional pilot and technical service management. Students can pursue any of these pathways and complete either the Master of Science in aviation and space or the Doctorate of Education in aviation and space education option to graduate.

The program will begin enrolling students in the fall.

The University of Oklahoma's aviation program is also a Destination 225 partner with Southwest.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Southwest partners with OSU for pilot training program