Wheels Up (NYSE: UP) is partnering with MAG Aerospace, a Virginia-based military contracting company, as it looks to boost its pilot recruitment efforts.
The on-demand private aviation company said this Pathway Development Program would allow current and former MAG pilots to move their employment to Wheels Up. Additionally, former MAG pilots who work for Wheels Up can take leaves of absence to complete MAG tours. Wheels Up said the shared pipeline would be beneficial to both organizations.
“Wheels Up is committed to being the employer of choice in private aviation, and partnering with MAG Aerospace is another important way we’re helping pilots build lifelong, rewarding careers,” said Stevens Sainte-Rose, chief people officer at Wheels Up. “This talent pipeline is an attractive, accelerated pathway for pilots and allows us to continue to deliver a premium experience for our members by working with the best in the industry.”
Wheels Up said the PDP offers Wheels Up and MAG employees an opportunity to broaden their skill set while still being able to contribute to the aviation industry. More than 70 percent of MAG’s workforce has a military background, and Wheels Up said the Pathway program would allow it to continue supporting veterans.
Mark Town, a MAG Aerospace and Wheels Up pilot, added that “MAG is a great company to work for with upward mobility, training, and a diversity of departments and programs. The opportunity to use that experience to be a part of what Wheels Up is building in private aviation is exciting and a great career path for pilots looking for the next step in their careers.”
