Tradewind Aviation joins talent pipeline, sourcing highly qualified pilots from JetBlue Gateways program and providing valuable flight time and experience as they develop towards a career at a major airline.
February 16, 2022 (Oxford, Connecticut) – Tradewind Aviation, the market leader in regional air mobility, is pleased to announce it has joined JetBlue Gateways as a partner airline. The partnership grants qualified pilot applicants from JetBlue’s career development program the opportunity to fly with Tradewind and gain valuable experience in preparation for careers as line pilots with the major mainline carrier.
The mutually beneficial agreement will also provide certain existing Tradewind pilots an attractive avenue towards flying for a respected commercial airline. Those who qualify will be eligible to apply for entry into JetBlue’s Gateways Program, offering a compelling career path for current and future Tradewind team members. In turn, the partnership will offer all candidates involved the opportunity to pave a clearly defined path towards their career goals in aviation.
JetBlue Gateways include a suite of industry-leading programs designed to encourage the next generation of aviation professionals; helping those with the passion and aptitude of a pilot find the path that’s right for them. Individuals accepted into JetBlue Gateways are offered a conditional position as a JetBlue First Officer based on successful completion of their program and all necessary requirements including meeting specific flying requirements while at Tradewind.
Tradewind clientele also stand to benefit, with the partnership opening the door for the private airline to attract and retain the best and brightest pilots in the industry, while still providing the same gold standard of safety and service that Tradewind passengers have come to expect on every flight. Additionally, as the private aviation sector continues to thrive, the partnership will allow Tradewind to stay on top of heightened demand, with the average tenure of its pilots expected to increase by 20%, and new pilots in its pipeline expected to increase by 30%.
“We have always worked hard to provide long-term career paths for our pilots, and our new Gateways partnership with JetBlue is a rewarding formalization of that process,” said Eric Zipkin, Co-Founder and President of Tradewind Aviation. “Traditionally, pilots advance to mainline carriers through a multi-step process, including flying as First Officer and Captain. JetBlue’s Gateways Program is a laudable innovation, providing Tradewind pilots and others an attractive pathway to fly for a respected major air carrier.”
Through the partnership, qualified pilots that have progressed through and met the requirements of JetBlue’s Gateway programs, will be eligible for referral to Tradewind for employment. Tradewind maintains autonomy in recruiting pilot applicants and conducts its own selection proceedings separate from JetBlue. Existing Tradewind pilots referred to JetBlue through the Gateways Program must also successfully fulfill the major carrier’s own distinct qualification requirements and selection process.
By joining Tradewind through the Gateways Program, aspiring JetBlue pilots will receive the same exceptional quality of training given to pilots already with the private airline. They will also gain experience on all Tradewind’s existing routes, with opportunity to fly the company’s modern fleet of Pilatus PC-12 and Citation Jet aircraft on private charter flights throughout North America and the Caribbean, and Pilatus PC-12 aircraft on scheduled shared charter flights to destinations in the northeast U.S., including from the New York metropolitan area to Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket, Massachusetts; Newport, Rhode Island; and Stowe, Vermont.
“We’re excited to partner with Tradewind to expand the pipeline for the next generation of aviation professionals,” said Jim Sullivan, Vice President Flight Operations, JetBlue. “The Gateways programs were created to expand opportunities and remove unnecessary barriers to pilot careers. By partnering to build a clear path of development and mentorship, we are addressing the career uncertainty that often grounds aspiring pilots, freeing them to build experience and hone their skills with a clear route map for the future. We can’t wait to watch the next generation of Gateways pilots grow at Tradewind and look forward to the day when they can join the ranks of line pilots at JetBlue.”
For more information or to make reservations with Tradewind Aviation, please call (800)-376-7922, visit www.flytradewind.com or follow Tradewind Aviation on Facebook @Tradewindaviation, Instagram/Twitter @flytradewind and LinkedIn.
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ABOUT TRADEWIND AVIATION
Founded in 2001 on the principle that every flight deserves the highest quality aircraft, crew and service, Tradewind Aviation is the market leader in regional air mobility, operating on-demand private charter flights throughout North America and the Caribbean in their fleet of Citation Jet and Pilatus PC-12 aircraft. Tradewind also operates scheduled shared charter flights on its modern fleet of Pilatus PC-12 aircraft. Scheduled destinations include Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket, Newport, RI and Stowe, VT from the New York area and throughout the Caribbean including San Juan, St. Barth, Anguilla, Antigua, and St. Thomas.
ABOUT JETBLUE
JetBlue is New York’s Hometown Airline®, and a leading carrier in Boston, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood, Los Angeles, Orlando, and San Juan. JetBlue carries customers across the U.S., Caribbean, and Latin America, and between New York and London. For more information, visit jetblue.com.
High-res images: here.
Tradewind Aviation Media Contact
Hawkins International – A Finn Partners Company
JetBlue Gateways Media Contact
JetBlue Corporate Communications