Liberty University partners with Delta to propel students into pilot careers
March 27, 2026 : By Office of Communications & Public Engagement
Aspiring pilots working toward their B.S. in Aeronautics – Commercial/Corporate at Liberty University’s School of Aeronautics have increased opportunities to pursue their professional callings after graduation through Delta Propel, a career pathway program with Endeavor Air and Delta Air Lines.
Earlier this year, Delta significantly expanded the program to students at all U.S.-based universities with flight education programs accredited by the Aviation Accreditation Board International.
“Through this expansion of the Delta Propel Pilot Career Pathway, students enrolled in any AABI‑accredited four‑year flight education program across the United States gain a strategic advantage, benefiting from an industry‑endorsed route designed to accelerate their progression into professional pilot careers,” Associate Dean Dr. Julie Speakes said.
Liberty is now one of 29 programs nationwide participating in the Propel program.
Students will only interview once with Propel and if selected, they will receive a conditional job offer to Endeavor Air, Delta’s wholly owned subsidiary, with a defined career path to Delta Air Lines. Participants will receive opportunities along the way to strengthen their industry knowledge and develop leadership skills at Delta’s world headquarters in Atlanta.
AABI President Elizabeth Bjerke said the expansion marks a major milestone in strengthening the nation’s professional pilot pipeline and reflects the industry’s continued confidence in the quality and rigor of AABI‑accredited programs.
“AABI is proud to see our accredited institutions recognized in this way,” she said. “This expansion underscores the value of AABI accreditation and the commitment of our member institutions to preparing the next generation of aviation professionals.”
Five residential programs in the School of Aeronautics are accredited by AABI: B.S. in Aeronautics – Commercial/Corporate and Global Studies concentrations (AABI Flight Education); B.S. in Aeronautics – Military Cognate (AABI Aviation Studies); B.S. in Unmanned Aircraft Operations (AABI Unmanned Aircraft Systems); B.S. in Aviation Administration (AABI Aviation Management); and B.S. in Aviation Maintenance (AABI Aviation Maintenance).
As the demand for aviation professionals in the airline industry continues to skyrocket worldwide, with an additional 660,000 new commercial pilots needed by 2044, the School of Aeronautics has maintained strong relationships with numerous airlines across the U.S. as part of its mission to equip, mentor, and send Champions for Christ into the aerospace community.
The new partnership follows other pathway programs available to Liberty aviation students through Allegiant Air, Spirit Airlines, and Frontier Airlines. The School of Aeronautics offers pipeline partnerships with Piedmont Airlines’ Cadet Program; and cadet programs with Envoy and PSA Airlines, both subsidiaries of American Airlines; and Republic Airways.
ABOUT LIBERTY UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF AERONAUTICS
The Liberty University School of Aeronautics is one of the largest faith-based collegiate aviation programs in North America. Liberty offers undergraduate training for pilots, UAS operators, administrators, and maintenance technicians, as well as online training for pilots who train at over 75 locations across the country. For those looking to elevate their aviation career, Liberty offers 100% online Master’s in Aeronautics and Doctor of Philosophy in Aviation programs.
ABOUT LIBERTY UNIVERSITY
Liberty University, founded in 1971, is the world’s premier Christian university, one of the largest private, nonprofit universities in the nation, and the largest university in Virginia. Located near the Blue Ridge Mountains on over 7,000 acres in Lynchburg, Va., Liberty offers more than 700 unique programs of study from the certificate to the doctoral level. Over 600 programs are offered online. Utilizing its world-class infrastructure and Christian faculty, Liberty’s mission is to Train Champions for Christ with the values, knowledge, and skills essential for impacting tomorrow’s world.
ABOUT DELTA PROPEL
Propel offers a defined pilot career path for college students and certified flight instructors (CFIs) who aspire to fly for Delta Air Lines. Additional information about Propel is available at propel.delta.com.
