Top 5 US Airline Pilot Career Pathways for 2025: Your Fast Track to the Cockpit

If you're aiming to become an airline pilot in the US, these career-pathway programs are your best bets for 2025. While common globally, they're a newer development in the US, offering partnerships with universities and flight schools, plus streamlined paths to mainline airlines. Note: Programs are active, but not all may accept new applicants.

United Aviate

A Single, Dedicated Training Campus

The United Airlines Aviate program is marketed as the fastest, most direct route to a United mainline flight deck. It partners with 20 US universities offering aviation degrees and flight training. Applicants undergo screening, assessments, and interviews. After being hired, you must log 1,200 hours as pilot-in-command (captain) to receive a prioritized interview slot with United—though it's not a guaranteed job offer.

Destination 225°

Four Flight School Partners

Southwest Airlines' Destination 225° program has pathways for cadets and university students, partnering with 12 universities. Cadets train for about 13 months at partner schools with a stipend and mentorship from Southwest first officers. After training, they can work as flight instructors, then interview with partner companies at 750 hours. Pilots typically need two years of work before eligibility for Southwest, but it's not guaranteed.

AA Cadet Academy

Seven Campuses with a Regional Airline Flow

American Airlines' AA Cadet Academy partners with five flight schools across seven US locations. Training covers licenses from private pilot to certified flight instructor. Participants build 1,500 hours to qualify for an ATPL, with credit for existing licenses and loan options. While not guaranteeing instructor jobs, it offers conditional job offers with regional subsidiaries like Envoy Air, PSA Airlines, and Piedmont Airlines upon completion.

F9 Pilot Cadet Program

A Guaranteed Job Upon Completion

Frontier Airlines' F9 Pilot Cadet Program primarily partners with ATP Flight School, with over 70 locations. It allows completion in as little as 750 hours for a restricted ATPL, with lending options. After interviews and medical checks, participants receive a stipend and flight benefits. The standout feature: guaranteed a slot as a first officer at Frontier upon completion, with paid ATPL and training courses, making it one of the most secure programs.

Propel Pilot Career Path Program

One Interview, Offers a Regional Flow

Delta Air Lines' Propel program targets college students, employees, scholarship recipients, and instructors. The key benefit: only one interview is required. Successful applicants train with a Delta pilot mentor and receive job offers at Endeavor Air and Delta. Pilots must serve as captains at Endeavor for at least two years before flowing to Delta, based on seniority. This program is a primary source for Delta's new-hire pilots today.