University of Oklahoma and Southwest Airlines Team Up as Part of New Pilot Pathway Program

The University of Oklahoma School of Aviation Studies announced a partnership with Southwest Airlines, opening a pathway for students to earn their wings with the airline.

By Adam Kemp

Source The Oklahoman, Oklahoma City

Aug. 2, 2019

The University of Oklahoma is making Southwest Airlines its co-pilot.

The University of Oklahoma School of Aviation Studies announced a partnership with Southwest Airlines on Thursday, opening a pathway for students to earn their wings with the airline.

The partnership is part of Southwest Airlines Destination 225° program, which provides students the opportunity to become a competitively qualified candidate for future Southwest First Officer positions.

“OU has a rich history of aviation education and training, and the partnership will help our University provide excellent aviation training and flight education for future pilots,” said Ken Carson, director of the OU School of Aviation Studies.

The company currently employs about 250 pilots but will need 500 by 2023, according to its own estimates of projected expansion.

Alan Kasher, Southwest Airlines’ vice president of flight operations, said the program will provide OU students with a unique opportunity.

“We’re proud to partner with the University of Oklahoma in this comprehensive pilot-development mission designed to make a pathway to becoming a Southwest pilot an attainable goal for passionate, qualified individuals,” Carson said. “This is simply the beginning; we look forward to working with OU for years to come.”

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