Southwest Partners with ASU for Recruitment Program

Southwest has welcomed Angelo State University (ASU) as a university partner in Destination 225°, the airline's First Officer development and recruitment program. The Hispanic Serving Institution in San Angelo, Texas, is the sixth University partner in the program that provides a pathway for qualified aviators to join Southwest as pilots.

ASU launched its Bachelor of Commercial Aviation program in the fall 2021 semester. Currently, there are 25 students in the first Flight Operations class, with 50 new students expected to join the program this fall. ASU students have access to Skyline Aviation's fleet of 12 aircraft and three flight simulators.

"As a Hispanic Serving Institution, we recognize the opportunity a partnership like this presents for all our students to become pilots and aviation professionals, but especially minorities and women who are underrepresented in both the commercial and military aviation industry,” said ASU President Ronnie Hawkins, Jr.

Destination 225° University Pathway Candidates build post-graduate flight instructing time within their college's flight program, with the goal of becoming competitively qualified to interview for a First Officer role at one of the program's partner carriers. After building their flying experience at a partner carrier, Southwest Airlines considers Candidates for a First Officer position. Candidates receive ongoing career mentorship from a Southwest pilot during their university studies and early flying career.

ASU joins current Destination 225° university partners: Arizona State University, Southeastern Oklahoma State University, Texas Southern University, University of Nebraska at Omaha and the University of Oklahoma. These university partners work with Southwest to train and support collegiate aviators accepted into the Destination 225° University Pathway.