Thrive Aviation has announced its partnership with the Southwest Airlines Destination 255° Pilot Pathways Programme.

By building hours with verified partners, the Cadet Pathway creates opportunities for new pilots to become Southwest Airlines First Officers in as little as four years.

Thrive Aviation said it was “honoured to join this partnership with Southwest Airlines and is eager to welcome their cadets to the Thrive Aviation flight line”.

“As a Southwest Airlines alum, this partnership has an entirely different meaning—it’s certainly a full circle moment for me. The programme catalyses a new pilot’s aviation career, offering them mentorship, training, and the opportunity to build the needed hours. This partnership is a testament to our shared vision of culture and innovation,” said CEO, Curtis Edenfield.

The Destination 225° Pilot Pathways Program paves the way for those launching their dream of an aviation career and gets them started on the right foot.

Cadets undergo a two-step process; the first phase is completing various courses and flight training requirements. From there, cadets earn their first few hours of single and multi-engine aircraft and simulator training.

Once achieved, cadets receive their commercial pilot’s licence. The programme’s second phase includes cadets becoming certified flight instructors, earning additional hours, and qualifying them to apply for the program’s various partners until they’re competitively qualified for an opportunity to join the Southwest crew.

“Southwest is excited to welcome Thrive Aviation to our Destination 225° Pilot Pathways Program as a new partner in our Cadet Pathway,” said Lee Kinnebrew, VP flight operations at Southwest Airlines.

“The programme aims to support and inspire pilots interested in joining Southwest as a First Officer, and we look forward to working with cadet candidates as they build flight experience.”
Subscribe to the FINN weekly newsletter