Major partnership connects aspiring OU pilots with Southwest Airlines

NORMAN, Okla. – The University of Oklahoma School of Aviation Studies recently announced a partnership with Southwest Airlines that will help OU pilots toward a career with one of the nation’s largest domestic airlines.

OU will be part of the newly launched Southwest Airlines Destination 225° program, which offers a university pathway to increased opportunities for OU aviation students.

“OU has a rich history of aviation education and training, and the partnership will help our University provide excellent aviation training and flight education for future pilots,” said Ken Carson, director of the OU School of Aviation Studies.

By providing the airline with experienced, passionate and well-trained aviators, the program is also beneficial to Southwest Airlines.

“Destination 225° will support Southwest Airlines by developing world-class pilots who are ready to fly ‘The Southwest Way’. We’re proud to partner with the University of Oklahoma in this comprehensive pilot-development mission designed to make a pathway to becoming a Southwest pilot an attainable goal for passionate, qualified individuals. This is simply the beginning; we look forward to working with OU for years to come,” said Alan Kasher, vice president of flight operations for Southwest Airlines.

“We instill a professional and positive attitude in our aviation students through our faculty-led aviation courses, coupled with student immersion in a safety culture that relies on trust, integrity and pilot-in-command leadership. These are the values Southwest Airlines also seeks in their professional pilots,” said Carson. “Offering our students the opportunity of a career path to Southwest is outstanding.”

To learn more about OU’s professional pilot bachelor’s degree option, contact OU Aviation Advising at (405) 325-6033 or visit pacs.ou.edu/aviation. For more information on the Southwest Airlines Destination 225° program, email [email protected] or call (214) 792-4847.