Private aviation membership and charter provider Wheels Up has entered a cooperative pilot hiring partnership with MAG Aerospace, a U.S. military contractor that logs about 100,000 flight hours annually in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations. The companies said the tie-up will expand career opportunities for pilots.
Under a pathway development program created through the partnership, current and former MAG military pilots transitioning to civilian life can move their employment to Wheels Up. Also, former MAG pilots who work for Wheels Up can take a leave of absence and work with MAG under the program. Such an arrangement provides both organizations a shared pipeline of pilots and allows the pilots career-development opportunities.
“Wheels Up is committed to being the employer of choice in private aviation and partnering with MAG Aerospace is another important way we’re helping pilots build lifelong, rewarding careers,” said Wheels Up chief people officer Stevens Sainte-Rose. “This talent pipeline is an attractive, accelerated pathway for pilots and allows us to continue to deliver a premium experience for our members by working with the best in the industry.”
The partnership with MAG builds on other efforts by Wheels Up to increase its pilot ranks, including through hiring partnerships with Delta Propel and ATP Flight School.