UPS’ FlightPath
In June, UPS launched its own pilot training program, called FlightPath, which aims to offer “newer pilots a defined career path to a job with a major carrier.”
“We recognize there is a looming pilot shortage in the industry, although at UPS we aren’t seeing that shortage directly, since it’s one of the premier jobs in the industry. We have thousands of resumes on file from applicants for a job with UPS,” the company told Air Cargo World. “To support the industry, we have launched the UPS FlightPath program, which offers newer pilots a defined career path to a job with a major carrier.”
Both former UPS flight interns and current pilots at Dallas-based cargo carrier Ameriflight are eligible for the program; UPS utilizes the airline’s North America-based network to service its “smaller-volume” destinations.
At the end of the program, which takes 30 to 36 months, pilots are eligible for an interview with UPS. “While we don’t guarantee a position, the FlightPath program is an important ‘foot in the door’ to being hired by UPS,” the company said.
In mid-September of this year, UPS had hired 175 pilots so far in 2018, according to the integrator, and planned to hire nearly 100 more.