University of Nebraska at Omaha Aviation Institute Students Selected for Southwest Airlines Destination 225° Program
Eight students from the University of Nebraska at Omaha Aviation Institute have earned a coveted spot in the Southwest Airlines Destination 225° Program—a competitive pathway launching the next generation of professional pilots toward the flight deck at Southwest.
- published: 2026/02/10
- contact: Scott Vlasek - Aviation Institute
- phone: 402-554-3424
- email: svlasek@unomaha.edu
- search keywords:
- Southwest Airlines Destination 225
Aviation Institute – February 10, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Eight University of Nebraska at Omaha Aviation Institute Students Selected for Southwest Airlines Destination 225° Program
The University of Nebraska at Omaha Aviation Institute is proud to announce that eight students have been selected for the prestigious Southwest Airlines Destination 225° Program. The students selected include Adeline “Izzie” Peetz, Calla Behney, Connor Grell, Landon Scott, Leo “Alex” Duman, Nicholas Hinkel, Shay Sinnard, and Tyler Thieman.
The Southwest Airlines Destination 225° Program is a comprehensive career pathway initiative designed to develop the next generation of professional pilots for Southwest Airlines. Launched to address long-term pilot workforce needs, the program provides selected candidates with structured mentorship, training milestones, and a clearly defined path to becoming a Southwest First Officer. The program connects collegiate aviators with industry leaders while reinforcing Southwest’s commitment to safety, leadership, and service.
The University of Nebraska at Omaha Aviation Institute has a long-standing tradition of preparing aviation professionals through rigorous academic coursework and FAA-aligned flight training. As an FAA Part 141 program with R-ATP authorization, the Aviation Institute combines classroom instruction, advanced simulation, and flight experience to equip students for careers as professional pilots, air traffic controllers, airport executives, and aviation leaders. The Institute continues to experience strong enrollment growth while building partnerships with major airlines and industry stakeholders.
Selection into Destination 225° is highly competitive and reflects each student’s academic performance, flight proficiency, leadership qualities, and commitment to professionalism. The selection of eight students in a single cohort represents a significant achievement for both the individuals and the Aviation Institute.
“This accomplishment speaks to the quality of our students and the strength of our professional flight program,” said Scott Vlasek, Director of the UNO Aviation Institute. “We are proud of Izzie, Calla, Connor, Landon, Alex, Nicholas, Shay, and Tyler for earning this opportunity and representing UNO at the highest level.”
For more information about the UNO Aviation Institute and its programs, please visit unomaha.edu/aviation.
“We are proud of Izzie, Calla, Connor, Landon, Alex, Nicholas, Shay, and Tyler for earning this opportunity and representing UNO at the highest level.”