Spirit Airlines and Lynn University have announced the launch of the Spirit Wings Pilot Pathway program at the Florida school's College of Aeronautics.
"The collaboration is a first of its kind for Spirit, allowing students to attend a traditional university while gaining valuable experience toward a future career flying the carrier's signature yellow planes," the carrier said.
The programme aims at offsetting concerns about the supply of pilots "by offering mentorship, programme guidance and a clearly defined path to become a Spirit first officer".
"As a Lynn graduate, it's especially rewarding to work with my alma mater and create valuable opportunities for the next generation of pilots," said Ryan Rodosta, Spirit's senior director of flight operations and system chief pilot.
"This opportunity with Spirit Airlines opens another door for Lynn's highly trained students to advance and achieve success in their future aviation careers," said Mike Petroski, interim dean of the Burton D. Morgan College of Aeronautics.