Delta Air Lines and Wheels Up Partner to Expand Pilot Pipeline Program

Delta’s Propel College Path Program adds Part 135 operator to recruit business aviation pilots to the airlines.

Friday, July 22, 2022 at 02:26 PM ET

Verified

The partnership between Delta and Wheels Up will allow pilots in the airline’s Propel College Path Program to log flight hours with the private aviation operator, giving them another path to full-time employment with Delta. [Courtesy: Wheels Up]

Key Takeaways:

Delta Air Lines' Propel College Path Program has partnered with Wheels Up, its first Part 135 operator, creating a direct career pathway for Wheels Up pilots to join Delta.
This collaboration aims to expand Delta's pilot talent pipeline, leveraging Wheels Up's diverse flying experience to prepare candidates for a major airline career.
The partnership also provides an opportunity for retiring Delta pilots (age 65+) to extend their flying careers with Wheels Up, as Part 135 operations do not have a mandatory retirement age.
These initiatives are part of Delta's broader strategy to address ongoing and projected pilot shortages, with the airline planning to hire and train over 2,400 pilots this year alone.

See a mistake? Contact us.

Delta Air Lines’ (NYSE: DAL) Propel College Path Program is adding a new partner as it looks to expand its talent pipeline to recruit more pilots. Wheels Up (NYSE: UP), the private, member-based aircraft operator, will become the first Part 135 partner to join the Propel program, giving its pilots a much easier path to full-time employment with Delta.

Capt. Ashish Naran, a former corporate pilot who is now a captain and lead pilot recruiter for Delta, said in a statement that the corporate-to-airline pathway would help pilot candidates improve their flying skills and build essential customer skills.