US LCC Visits Flight Training Pathway Partner University in November 2025

Tennesee, USA – The Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) Department of Aerospace welcomed Southwest Airlines to its campus and airport facilities as part of the airline’s Destination 225° career pathway program. The visit took place on November 5, 2025, and served to promote airline career opportunities to aviation students.

• MTSU joined the Destination 225° University Pathway in 2023 alongside Baylor University, Louisiana Tech, and Oklahoma State University, expanding Southwest’s collegiate network to 11 partner universities across the United States.
• Through the program, MTSU graduates gain flight instructing experience within the university’s flight operations before progressing to partner carriers, where they build airline-level experience en route to becoming eligible for First Officer positions at Southwest Airlines.
• Each candidate receives career mentorship from a Southwest pilot throughout their training and early professional career, ensuring structured development and operational alignment with the airline’s standards.

About Middle Tennessee State University Department of Aerospace Founded in 1942, the MTSU Department of Aerospace is one of the largest and most comprehensive collegiate aviation programs in the United States. Based in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, it serves approximately 1,200 students across seven aerospace concentrations, including Professional Pilot, Aviation Management, Maintenance Management, and Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations. MTSU operates an extensive training fleet and partners with multiple major U.S. airlines to provide direct pilot career pathways.

About Southwest Airlines Destination 225° Program Destination 225° is Southwest Airlines’ professional pilot development program, designed to create a defined career path from training to employment as a First Officer. It includes partnerships with universities, flight schools, and regional carriers, providing structured mentorship, flight-hour building, and airline transition training under Southwest’s operational framework.

Source: MTSU Department of Aerospace