Texas Southern University’s aviation program has been officially accredited by the Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI), making it the second Historically Black College and University (HBCU) in history with this recognition. The accreditation will run through 31 July 2028. 

Texas Southern is one of 44 aviation programs which hold an AABI accreditation, and is the only one with this accreditation in Texas.

“The aviation program at TSU has experienced an upward trajectory for many years, and this prestigious accreditation is a major step in accelerating future progress,” said interim president Dr. Mary Evans Sias in the school’s news.

From 2022-2023 the Texas Southern’s enrollment has increased by 32 percent, and the upcoming fall semester will be the largest class of aviation professionals in its history. According to the school, the program’s fleet includes two full flight simulators and seven aircraft, with an upcoming customized Cessna. 

So far, four pilots from the school have already been placed in Southwest Airline’s career pilot pathway program, Destination 225°.