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 has expanded its Propel College Path Program by partnering with Wheels Up, making it the first Part 135 private aviation operator in the program.
This partnership creates a direct career pathway for Wheels Up pilots to join Delta and also allows retired Delta pilots (age 65+) to continue flying with Wheels Up.
The initiative helps Delta address its ongoing pilot shortage by diversifying its talent pipeline and offers career progression incentives for pilots in business aviation.

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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.