Texas – United States based US Aviation Academy (USAA), one of the largest aviation and pilot training organisations in North America, welcomed a team from Southwest Airlines to its Campus in June 2024. Back in June 2023 US Aviation Academy entered into an agreement with Southwest Airlines for the airlines Destination 225 Cadet Pathway program which is in addition to the current training it offers for the program’s Employee Pathway. The Destination 225° program provides pathways to becoming a competitively qualified candidate for future Southwest® First Officer positions. On a compass, 225° is the southwest directional heading, and the carrier developed Destination 225° to lead aspiring pilots to Southwest Airlines.

This additional training builds upon a successful partnership started in 2019 when US Aviation Academy began offering training for the Destination 225° Employee Pathway. “US Aviation has greatly enjoyed working with dedicated Destination 225° students these past four years and looks forward to adding the Cadet Pathway to our training offerings. There is huge growth in the aviation industry right now with a need for more professional, career-oriented training,” said Scott Sykes, Chief Development Officer of US Aviation Academy back in 2023.

“We appreciate US Aviation Academy’s commitment to training future First Officer candidates for Southwest Airlines, and we look forward to this expanded partnership,” said Lee Kinnebrew, Vice President of Flight Operations at Southwest Airlines.

After applying and interviewing for the Destination 225° program, participants selected for the program receive a Southwest Pilot mentor during their years of training, are invited to Southwest’s corporate campus in Dallas for training activities and events, and, ultimately, become competitively qualified to apply for a Southwest Airlines First Officer position. Participants complete comprehensive training and a continuous evaluation process while preparing to be safe and efficient pilots who fly “the Southwest Way.” There is no cost to apply to the program; however, candidates advancing through the selection process are responsible for all costs incurred for their respective training programs.

About US Aviation Academy
US Aviation Group came under current ownership in 2006 and has grown from a hand full of Piper Warriors and a Seneca to one of the largest Part 141 flight academies in the country with over 130 aircraft at six locations. US Aviation’s growth is a product of professionalism, a commitment to safety, and excellence in training. These core values have made US Aviation Academy the choice flight training partners for colleges nationwide. In 2021 US Aviation launched its first Part 147 airframe and powerplant mechanic program which is rapidly expanding with three locations.

Source: US Aviation Academy