by Donald Wood
Last updated: 8:50 AM ET, Fri September 29, 2023
United Airlines launched its new United Military Pilot
Program, which provides full-time, active-duty U.S. military pilots access to
conditional job offers as a First Officer with the carrier.
Under the terms of the new program, successful candidates
must first take part in an interview and then complete all required flight
training and certification before joining the airline. Applicants do not need
to hold an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate (ATP) at the time of application
but can obtain their ATP before joining United.
Current or former military pilots who meet United’s mainline
hiring requirements and are less than six months from availability, are already
available or are flying in the reserve component are encouraged to apply as a
First Officer.
“At United we are committed to investing in individuals who
have served and are serving our country – whose military skills and background
are invaluable to our airline,” United CEO Scott Kirby said.
“Launching this program is a win-win: our airline gets
direct access to some of the best, most talented aviators in the world, and military
pilots – and their families – get the time they need to plan their civilian
career while still serving,” Kirby continued.
The airline also offers other defined paths to the flight
deck, including the First Officer Hiring program, the United Aviate program and
the United Aviate Academy.
United currently has over 16,000 pilots, including over
3,000 who have served or currently serve in the U.S. Armed Forces. The carrier
plans to add 50,000 new team members by 2026, including 10,000 well-qualified pilots.
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