JetBlue Pilot Gateway Programs: Creative Approaches to Pilot Sourcing

The JetBlue University Gateway program was the first pathway program in our industry. When it started, it offered the only structured path for aviation students to earn an aviation degree, build time as a flight instructor, gain experience at a regional partner and then end up as a first officer – and eventually a captain - on a JetBlue airplane. Now almost 10 years after its inception, the program continues to help young pilots as they make their way from dreaming of the skies to sitting in a JetBlue airplane. While still going strong, the University Gateway program is not the only creative approach JetBlue has taken to sourcing pilots. In recent years, JetBlue has also added focus to Transition Gateway, a program designed to help current crewmembers in other departments become JetBlue pilots, and Gateway Select, an innovative program that is designed to help a person with high potential but little or no flying experience make his/her way to a JetBlue flight deck. This presentation will give an overview of these three JetBlue Gateway programs - University, Transition and Select - and will show how JetBlue is creatively, proactively and effectively planning for the future

Session 2: Pilot Supply

As the shortage of pilots continues, this session discusses the elements of pilot supply in regards to cooperation between airlines and universities, sustainability, and adjustments to the Essential Air Services that came out of deregulation

Panel: Supporting Diversity in the Aviation Industry

Since its humble beginnings in 1903, aviation has become a global economic powerhouse. Air travel is as accessible as it has ever been. The global airline industry continues to grow at over 5% per year. In order to support this growth, there is a need to increase the talent pool by promoting the industry to underrepresented groups. As our country becomes more diverse and inclusive, there is a need to increase diversity in the aviation industry. Over the past five years, the global aviation industry has committed itself to increasing diversity and inclusion. At this year’s NTAS Conference, we will be holding a session focused on supporting these efforts. We will discuss ways that we can come together to market the aviation profession to females and other underrepresented groups. Join us in a conversation with aviation industry leaders to address this important issue