United Airlines selects Skyborne as partner flight school for Aviate program

Skyborne Airline Academy Vero Beach has partnered with United Airlines’ Aviate programme to offer Skyborne trainee pilots a route to the flight deck at United Airlines.

The mentored career pathway takes trainees with zero or little flying experience through an FAA Part 141 programme to become a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), before eventually joining United as a First Officer.

As part of the partnership, trainee pilots accepted into Aviate will receive access to pilot mentors and a conditional job offer for a First Officer position at United Airlines – all while training at Skyborne’s world-renowned facility in Vero Beach, Florida.

Lee Woodward, Chief Executive Officer, Skyborne, said: “The United Airlines Aviate programme in partnership with Skyborne will immerse trainees in airline technique, custom and practice, equipping graduates with the skills to be truly flight deck ready.

“In the US, air passenger numbers are now within 5% of 2019 levels and in order to meet this demand for travel, the aviation industry needs focused initiatives like Aviate. United Airlines is leading the way in responding to the pilot shortage and we’re extremely proud this partnership will deliver the next generation of competent, professional and resilient airline pilots.”

In another US industry first, trainees in the programme will also be eligible for the Skyborne Guarantee – a form of money-back guarantee upon successful completion of the Skyborne selection process and Private Pilot Certificate (PPC) phase.

Captain Curtis Brunjes, Managing Director of Aviate & Pilot Strategy, United Airlines, said: “We are thrilled to partner with Skyborne Airline Academy and are confident they will be an invaluable asset to Aviate due to their innovative approach to the aviation market, prestigious reputation and rigorous training. We look forward to working with them and welcoming more pilots to the United family.”

Skyborne and Aviate will work together to admit the best applicants to the programme. To train at Skyborne, an applicant must first meet Skyborne’s criteria, then pass a pilot selection process that includes aptitude and psychometric assessments followed by an interview with Skyborne – all completed online to make the process more convenient for applicants.

After Skyborne cadets have completed the Private Certification phase of training, they may apply to United’s Aviate programme.