Spirit Airlines made this announcement:

The next generation of pilots can now venture from the skies of Virginia to the vast network of Spirit Airlines. The carrier today announced a new partnership with Liberty University to launch the Spirit Wings Pilot Pathway program at the university’s School of Aeronautics in Lynchburg, Virginia. The collaboration marks a milestone in the airline’s efforts to grow its pipeline of professional pilots. Liberty Universitybecomes the 10th partner to join the Spirit Wings Pilot Pathway program, which offers graduates a fast track to the flight deck and a rewarding career as a Spirit First Officer.

“We put a lot of hard work into developing the Spirit Wings Pilot Pathway program and assembling a great group of partners making it incredibly rewarding to reach this key milestone,” said Ryan Rodosta, Senior Director of Flight Operations and System Chief Pilot at Spirit Airlines. “Liberty University offers a premier pilot training program designed to provide graduates with the skills to lead in the aviation field, and Spirit’s growth creates opportunities for those graduates to achieve their dreams with us.”

Liberty University students pursuing an aviation degree can apply for the program after finishing their sophomore year and obtaining a recommendation from a faculty member. If successful in Spirit’s interview process, they will receive a conditional offer of employment, a Spirit Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) and mentorship as they complete their degree and build flight hours. After reaching Restricted Airline Transport Pilot (R-ATP) minimum requirements, program pilots must successfully complete the Spirit-funded and approved Airline Transport Pilot Certification Training Program (ATP CTP) and Jet Transition Course. Graduates who meet all program requirements will join the team as a Spirit First Officer.