Illinois, USA – United Airlines has announced that its Aviate pilot career development program has reached 1,000 successful pilot transitions into the airline's flight deck. Announced on November 6, 2026, the milestone reflects the program's role in connecting aspiring and experienced pilots with United through a structured network of flight schools, universities, regional airlines and commercial operators.
- More than 700 active United Airlines pilots currently volunteer as Aviate Coaches, supporting participants through career guidance and mentorship. United reported that over 1,500 coaching meeting hours have been recorded since August 2026.
- The airline reported engagement with thousands of aspiring and current pilots during 2026 through university and flight school visits, program orientations and aviation industry conferences, supporting the recruitment and development of future flight crew.
- Aviate provides eligible pilots with a defined progression route towards a United First Officer position. Applicants accepted into the program receive a conditional job offer and continue building professional flight experience through participating flight schools, United Express carriers and Part 135 operators before becoming eligible to transition to United.
- The milestone encompasses participants across the wider United Aviate program rather than graduates solely from United Aviate Academy, the airline's wholly owned ab-initio flight school in Goodyear, Arizona.
- AFM previously reported that United Aviate marked its sixth anniversary in October 2025, having established a network of more than 30 participating universities, flight schools, Part 135 operators and United Express carriers. At that time, the program reported nearly 3,000 active participants.
- Under Aviate's published transition requirements, participants must complete 1,200 or 1,600 hours as Captain, depending on their program entry point, at an Aviate-participating United Express carrier or Part 135 operator. Candidates must also meet the program's performance standards and United's applicable First Officer hiring requirements.
Statements
- “Reaching 1,000 Aviate transitions is an incredible milestone and a testament to how far the program has come. More importantly, it reflects the impact Aviate is having on United’s future as we continue developing the next generation of pilots,” said Captain Rob Thomas, Vice President of Flight Operations Planning and Development at United Airlines.
About United Aviate
Established in 2019, United Aviate is the pilot career development program of Chicago-headquartered United Airlines, providing structured career progression opportunities for aspiring and experienced professional pilots. The program works with participating aviation universities, flight training organisations, United Express carriers and Part 135 operators, providing eligible participants with mentorship, career development resources and access to United Airlines' pilot recruitment pathway.
About United Airlines
United Airlines is a US airline headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, operating domestic and international passenger services across six continents through its mainline and United Express networks. As of September 30, 2026, United reported 1,143 mainline aircraft, comprising 633 Boeing 737, 96 Boeing 777, 95 Boeing 787, 61 Boeing 757, 53 Boeing 767 and 205 Airbus A319/A320/A321 Family aircraft, alongside 432 regional aircraft.
Source: United Aviate
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