MGSU, ExpressJet sign agreement for flight students

The sky could literally be the limit for Middle Georgia State University students.

On Monday, representatives of the university and ExpressJet Airlines signed an agreement that opens a pathway for students to go from "the classroom to the cockpit," according to a university news release.

"We're excited to be formalizing this relationship, which now more than ever puts our students on a direct path toward becoming commercial airline pilots," Adam Holloway, chairman of the university's Department of Flight, said in the release.

Under the contract, students who meet certain requirements and hold the required certification will be guaranteed interviews for open pilot positions. No jobs are guaranteed, but ExpressJet officials expressed their eagerness to work with MGSU graduates.

"The quality of students graduating MGSU's flight program is what drew us to signing a formal agreement with the university," said Brad Sheehan, the company's senior vice president of operations. "I'm excited for what this partnership will bring to both ExpressJet and MGSU, and I look forward to our shared success."

MGSU graduates about 20 students per year with the right certification to fly, and ExpressJet would provide the additional training needed to fly larger jets.

The company employs about 8,500 people and serves more than 180 airports while taking an average 1,600 flights per day.

To contact writer Jeremy Timmerman, call 744-4331 or find him on Twitter @MTJTimm.

This story was originally published October 19, 2015 at 10:21 PM with the headline "MGSU, ExpressJet sign agreement for flight students ."