Louisiana Tech University and United Aviate Thursday announced a partnership designed to benefit Louisiana Tech students in the Professional Aviation and Aviation Management programs.

Aviate is United’s pilot career development program, offering aspiring and established pilots a path to the United flight deck.

“We are proud to offer our students the opportunity to engage with an industry leader like United Airlines,” said Col. Tom Garza, Aviation Professor. “Thanks to United Aviate, our students have a clear path to pursuing their dream careers.”

“We’re excited to welcome Louisiana Tech University as a United Aviate university partner, benefiting former, current and future Louisiana Tech students in their journeys to becoming professional pilots,” said Michael Bonner, Managing Director of Aviate and Pilot Strategy at United. “Louisiana Tech’s national reputation for a high-quality aviation education aligns with our pilot recruitment strategy.”

Former and current Louisiana Tech Aviation students and instructors who apply and are successful in the Aviate selection process will join the program, receive a conditional job offer from United, and enjoy the benefits from the defined path to a lifelong career at United.

“This program will help our students gain a leg up in the competitive airline industry,” said Dean Karl Puljak of the College of Liberal Arts. “We know that the demand for qualified and motivated pilots is high, and it will continue to grow.”

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment of airline and commercial pilots is projected to grow 6 percent from 2021 to 2031. About 18,100 openings for airline and commercial pilots are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

“Louisiana Tech is proud to be only one of a handful of universities United has chosen to partner with,” said Dr. Les Guice, Tech President. “Our students have the very qualities United searches for, and our campus culture – including our Tech Tenets – aligns with the core service behaviors and commitment to excellence United expects from all members of their flight and ground operations.”