Thrive Aviation Joins Southwest’s Pilot Pathways Program

The private aviation firm will give potential pilots a direct pathway to the right seat at Southwest.

Ryan Ewing

Monday, December 18, 2023 at 02:42 PM ET

Verified

Southwest Boeing 737s at Paine Field. [Credit: AirlineGeeks | Katie Bailey]

Key Takeaways:

Thrive Aviation has partnered with Southwest Airlines' Destination 225 Pilot Pathways Program.
This collaboration creates a direct pathway for aspiring pilots to become Southwest First Officers in as little as four years.
The Destination 225 program provides mentorship, training, and opportunities for pilots to build flight hours through partners like Thrive Aviation.

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Thrive Aviation, a Henderson, Nev.-based private aviation services provider, has joined forces with the Southwest Airlines Destination 225 Pilot Pathways Program. This partnership creates a direct pathway for promising pilots to become first officers at Southwest in as little as four years, according to a press release.

Thrive Aviation CEO Curtis Edenfield, a Southwest alumnus, shared his enthusiasm for the collaboration in a press release. “it’s certainly a full circle moment for me,” Edenfield said. “The program catalyzes a new pilot’s aviation career, offering them mentorship, training, and the opportunity to build the needed hours. This partnership is a testament to our shared vision of culture and innovation.”