Thrive Aviation has partnered with the Southwest Airlines Destination 255° Pilot Pathways Program. 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 is honored to join this partnership with Southwest Airlines and is eager to welcome their cadets to the Thrive Aviation flight line.

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 license. The program'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.

"The program 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," said Lee Kinnebrew, Vice President Flight Operations at Southwest Airlines.