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

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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 is expanding its pilot recruitment pipeline by partnering with Wheels Up, making it the first Part 135 (private aviation) operator to offer a direct career path for its pilots to Delta.
The partnership offers a clear career progression for Wheels Up pilots to join Delta and also provides an opportunity for retiring Delta pilots (who face an age 65 mandate) to continue flying with Wheels Up.
This strategic move helps Delta address its significant pilot hiring needs, aiming to recruit over 2,400 pilots this year to recover from pandemic-era early retirements and combat projected industry-wide pilot shortages.

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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.