Delta Airlines Brings Group of Auburn Students Into the Company Fold Under Delta Propel Program

Auburn University has announced the successful acceptance of 20 of its graduates to Delta Airlines as a part of the professional pilot pipeline offered through a joint educational program promoted at the school. 

They have been added to the company through the airline's Delta Propel program, a "highly selective program which provides participants a Qualified Job Offer, detailing a defined career path, allowing Auburn students to participate in an accelerated timeline to become a Delta pilot."

Similar to other cadet programs that promise career benefits and boons to those who sign on the dotted line with a carrier early in their career, Propel aims to bolster Delta's flow of new pilots by calling 'dibs' early in their career. 

Auburn is one of only 14 universities included in the program, allowing students from their aviation program to enter the pipeline that eventually lands them in the right seat. Ana Franco-Watkins, interim dean, said the relationship has been a rewarding one for all involved.

“The College of Liberal Arts’ commitment to student excellence includes preparing our students for success during and after their time at Auburn. The partnership between Auburn and Delta is proof of the work being done at Auburn to ensure bright futures for our students.”

That includes the work with the Delta Air Lines Foundation which worked with others to grant $6.2 million to support the construction of an aviation education building that now serves as the home base for all things flight related at the school. 

“Our partnership with Delta is a game-changer for Auburn Aviation,” said James Witte, department chair. “In addition to providing career opportunities for our students, the resources Delta and The Delta Air Lines Foundation have provided ensure that our students receive a world-class aviation education.”

FMI: www.auburn.edu, www.propel.delta.com