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UNO Joins ExpressJet Pilot Prep Program as First Nebraska School Partner

UNO aircraft on runway

OMAHA - The University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) Aviation Institute (AI) has partnered with ExpressJet Airlines to provide students with a clear pathway to becoming an airline pilot.

With this partnership, UNO becomes the first university in the state of Nebraska to participate in the ExpressJet’s Airline Pilot Pathway Program (AP3). Currently, the AP3 program is active at only 33 other universities or colleges across the country.

ExpressJet’s AP3 program was established in 2011 and allows UNOAI students to begin a screening process early in their academic careers to set them on a clear track to becoming an airline pilot. Through highly structured and competitive requirements, the AP3 ensures that participating students achieve the highest levels of safety, proficiency and education that will prepare them for a position as a first officer at ExpressJet.

“ExpressJet is continuously working with new schools to develop an AP3 suited to their students, curriculum and resources,” said Brad Sheehan, vice president of Flight Ops. “The AP3 is helping to cultivate the next generation of highly-skilled commercial pilots as they prepare for careers at ExpressJet and other regionals.”

After being accepted into the program at UNO, students must complete a predefined set of requirements in addition to the courses he or she would receive at UNO; students must also gain experience as a flight instructor in order to complete the program.

AP3 students are monitored throughout their academic career, and current ExpressJet pilots volunteer to mentor participating students. Students who successfully complete the AP3 will be offered a guaranteed interview or job as a first officer with ExpressJet Airlines, and, down the road, may be guaranteed an interview at Delta Air Lines.

“This is an amazing opportunity for our students and our program. We are very excited to be teaming up with ExpressJet Airlines to offer this program to our students,” said Scott Vlasek, director of the UNO Aviation Institute. “Knowing that you have a position waiting for you after years of academic preparation and flight training is extraordinary.”

For more information about UNO’s partnership with ExpressJet’s AP3, contact Charley Reed, UNO media relations coordinator, at 402.554.2129 or by email at unonews@unomaha.edu.

About the UNO Aviation Institute
 The UNO Aviation Institute was founded in 1990 and, for the past 25 years, has been a beacon of excellence for the city of Omaha and state of Nebraska. The UNO Aviation Institute offers a Bachelor of Science degree in aviation with concentration in air transport administration and professional flight. The Institute also offers specializations within the UNO School of Public Administration’s graduate degree programs.

In May of 2012 UNO’s Aviation Institute was named top program in the nation at the national NIFA competition and awarded the Loening Trophy, which was first awarded in 1929 with the first judges including Charles Lindberg and Amelia Earhart.

For more information on the UNO Aviation Institute, please visit http://www.unomaha.edu/ai.

About ExpressJet Airlines
 Headquartered in Atlanta, ExpressJet Airlines, a wholly owned subsidiary of SkyWest, Inc., is the world’s largest regional airline with 9,000 aviation professionals, an average of 2,100 daily flights and an all-jet fleet of 408 aircraft. Through capacity purchase agreements, ExpressJet operates as American Eagle, Delta Connection and United Express to serve 188 airports in 42 U.S. states, District of Columbia, Bahamas, Canada, Jamaica and Mexico. For more information, visit expressjet.com

About the University of Nebraska at Omaha

Located in one of America’s best cities to live, work and learn, the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) is Nebraska’s premier metropolitan university. With more than 15,000 students enrolled in 200-plus programs of study, UNO is recognized nationally for its online education, graduate education, military friendliness and community engagement efforts. Founded in 1908, UNO has served learners of all backgrounds for more than 100 years and is dedicated to another century of excellence both in the classroom and in the community.

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