ExpressJet Airlines (Atlanta) has joined the JetBlue University Gateway Program to give pilots a career path. The following statement was released:

The highly-successful University Gateway Program, a four-way collaboration with JetBlue Airways (New York), Cape Air (Hyannis), the University of North Dakota (UND) and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU), has added another airline.  ExpressJet Airlines, the largest regional airline in the world, will partner with Cape Air to provide a parallel path for aspiring pilots to join JetBlue. The Gateway Program has been designed to facilitate the early-entry of highly-qualified pilots from Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI) programs, who have appropriate flight instructor experience, into Cape Air, where they further hone their skills. After gaining their Captain’s credentials at Cape Air, pilots can choose to interview with ExpressJet.  If accepted, they will be slotted for a training class providing valuable time as pilots in command.  They then will be eligible for a final interview with JetBlue after gaining their necessary hours.

There are now 140 pilots in the Gateway Program.  To date, four pilots have successfully completed the necessary steps and have been hired by JetBlue, with more qualifying for a final interview every month.  Cape Air expects as many as 50 pilots per year will eventually join JetBlue via the program.

Copyright Photo: Mark Durbin. ExpressJet’s Embraer ERJ 145XR (EMB-145XR) N16147 (msn 145749) is pictured at the Houston (Bush Intercontinental) hub operating as an United Express carrier.

United Express-ExpressJet: 

Routes flown for United Airlines:

Please click on the map for the full size view.