Aspiring pilots can now join the fast track to a rewarding career at one of the nation’s fastest-growing airlines while they finish college. Spirit Airlines (NYSE: SAVE) and Lynn University today announced the launch of the Spirit Wings Pilot Pathway program at Lynn’s Burton D. Morgan College of Aeronautics in Boca Raton, Florida.
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.

Spirit Wings Pilot Pathway aims to expand the airline’s pipeline of professional pilots by offering mentorship, program guidance and a clearly defined path to become a Spirit First Officer. Lynn students can apply for the program after completing their sophomore year and obtaining a recommendation from a faculty member in the College of Aeronautics. If successful in Spirit’s interview process, they will receive a conditional offer of employment, a Spirit Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) and will be mentored as they work toward completing their degree program and the flight hours required for an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate.

“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, Senior Director of Flight Operations and System Chief Pilot at Spirit Airlines. “Lynn and Spirit both have a strong presence in South Florida, which makes for an exciting collaboration as the school develops highly skilled pilots for our growing airline.”
“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 for Lynn’s Burton D. Morgan College of Aeronautics. “The program allows Spirit access to our pool of talented aeronautic students, who in turn will receive mentorship, quality training, and the opportunity to progress to a rewarding career at a commercial airline.”

Spirit flies some of the newest, most fuel-efficient aircraft in the industry across a network of 90+ destinations in the United States, Latin America and the Caribbean. Many more brand-new planes are planned for delivery in 2023, creating opportunities for First Officers to quickly upgrade to Captain. Spirit’s Pilots recently approved a contract that provides a significant pay increase and other enhanced benefits. Spirit also offers its Pilots industry-leading training and great quality of life.

To learn more about the program and application process, visit Spirit Wings Pilot Pathway | Lynn University

Recognition

Spirit was recognized by Forbes as one of America’s Best Employers for Diversity 2022 following its active efforts to create and celebrate a diverse workplace environment. Spirit also recently received the top ranking in its category in both the Port of Seattle Fly Quiet Awards and the LAX Fly Quieter Program. In addition, the airline was recognized as one of LinkedIn’s Top Companies in Travel & Hospitality in 2022, which ranks the 25 best workplaces to grow a career in the industry. Spirit was also recognized for safety with the FAA’s “Aviation Maintenance Technician Diamond Award of Excellence” for the fourth consecutive year.