Spirit Wings Pilot Pathway adds
10th partner, launches at top-tier, collegiate
pilot training program in Lynchburg,
Virginia
Photos of Spirit & Liberty University available HERE
MIRAMAR,
Fla., Sept. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The next
generation of pilots can now venture from the skies of Virginia to the vast network of Spirit
Airlines (NYSE: SAVE). The carrier today announced a new
partnership with Liberty University to
launch the Spirit Wings Pilot Pathway program at the university's
School of Aeronautics in Lynchburg,
Virginia. The collaboration marks a milestone in the
airline's efforts to grow its pipeline of professional pilots.
Liberty University becomes the 10th
partner to join the Spirit Wings Pilot Pathway program, which
offers graduates a fast track to the flight deck and a rewarding
career as a Spirit First Officer.
"We put a lot of hard work into developing the Spirit Wings
Pilot Pathway program and assembling a great group of partners
making it incredibly rewarding to reach this key milestone," said
Ryan Rodosta, Senior Director of
Flight Operations and System Chief Pilot at Spirit Airlines.
"Liberty University offers a premier
pilot training program designed to provide graduates with the
skills to lead in the aviation field, and Spirit's growth creates
opportunities for those graduates to achieve their dreams with
us."
Liberty University students pursuing
an aviation degree can apply for the program after finishing their
sophomore year and obtaining a recommendation from a faculty
member. If successful in Spirit's interview process, they will
receive a conditional offer of employment, a Spirit Electronic
Flight Bag (EFB) and mentorship as they complete their degree and
build flight hours. After reaching Restricted Airline Transport
Pilot (R-ATP) minimum requirements, program pilots must
successfully complete the Spirit-funded and approved Airline
Transport Pilot Certification Training Program (ATP CTP) and Jet
Transition Course. Graduates who meet all program requirements will
join the team as a Spirit First Officer.
"We are delighted to join with Spirit Airlines as the
10th partner in their Spirit Wings Pilot Pathway
program," said Rick Roof, Dean of
the School of Aeronautics. "This partnership is a major step in
creating exceptional opportunities for our graduates, providing
selected Liberty trained aviation
professionals with a unique pathway directly to Spirit once they
fulfill the necessary training and experience. Spirit will gain
access to pilots with exceptional technical skills and the
character to be difference-makers in the aerospace industry, while
Liberty Aeronautics graduates can become a member of the Spirit
team where they will join a recognized leader in quality of life
while flying some of the most advanced aircraft in the skies. This
is an incredible opportunity for our Champions to fulfill their
aviation dreams, and their calling to serve."
Spirit's Pilots fly some of the newest, most fuel-efficient
aircraft in the industry to 90+ destinations across the United States, Latin America and the Caribbean. More brand-new planes are planned
for delivery in 2023, including eight new Airbus A321neo aircraft,
creating opportunities for First Officers to quickly upgrade to
Captain. Spirit's Pilots recently approved a contract that provides
a significant pay increase and other enhanced benefits. Spirit also
offers its Pilots industry-leading training and exceptional quality
of life.
To learn more about the program and the application process,
visit http://www.liberty.edu/spiritwings
Recognition:
Aviation Week Network's Air Transport World (ATW) named Spirit
Airlines the Value Airline of the Year as part of the ATW 2023
Airline Industry Achievement Awards. Spirit was also recognized for
safety with the FAA's "Aviation Maintenance Technician Diamond
Award of Excellence" for the fifth consecutive year. In addition,
the airline was recognized as one of LinkedIn's Top Companies in
Travel & Hospitality in 2022, which ranks the 25 best
workplaces to grow a career in the industry.
About Spirit Airlines:
Spirit Airlines (NYSE: SAVE) is committed to delivering the best
value in the sky. We are the leader in providing customizable
travel options starting with an unbundled fare. This allows our
Guests to pay only for the options they choose — like bags, seat
assignments, refreshments and Wi-Fi — something we call À La
Smarte®. Our Fit Fleet® is one of the youngest and most
fuel-efficient in the United
States. We serve destinations throughout the U.S.,
Latin America and the Caribbean, making it possible for our Guests
to venture further and discover more than ever before. We are
committed to inspiring positive change in the communities where we
live and work through the Spirit Charitable Foundation. Come save
with us at spirit.com.
About Liberty University:
Liberty University, founded in 1971,
is the world's premier Christian university, one of the largest
private, nonprofit universities in the nation, and the largest
university in Virginia. Located
near the Blue Ridge Mountains on over 7,000 acres in Lynchburg, Va., Liberty offers more than 700 unique programs of
study from the certificate to the doctoral level. Over 600 programs
are offered online. Utilizing its world-class infrastructure and
Christian faculty, Liberty's mission is
to Train Champions for Christ with the values, knowledge,
and skills essential for impacting tomorrow's world.
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SOURCE Spirit Airlines, Inc.