Gateway Flex—Flight Ops

Current crewmembers looking for flexibility enroute to the pilot’s seat can choose their own location for training and time-building within a defined framework.

Ashley Zook | Gateway Flex | Current JetBlue First Officer, A320, JFK

 
 
 
 

Swap your JetBlue badge for wings.

The Gateway Flex-Flight Ops program is for current JetBlue crewmembers who are seeking flexibility on their path to becoming a JetBlue pilot. A crewmember selected for Gateway Flex will have the opportunity to take a leave of absence (LOA) from their current position for up to one year to start gaining the necessary qualifications and experience. Upon completion of that one-year LOA, the crewmember will then fully separate from JetBlue to finish completing all the program training at a training facility of their choice and then meet our time-building requirements. Once their training and experience-building are completed, the selected candidate will return to JetBlue as a first officer.

 
 

HOW IT WORKS

The path to first officer via Gateway Flex.

If accepted into the program, students follow a multi-phase training sequence over the course of about 3.5 years.

 
 
 
 

  • Apply and be selected.

    • Apply and be accepted as a Gateway Flex-Flight Ops participant and earn a conditional job offer for a position as a JetBlue first officer.

    • The selected crewmember and a member of the Gateways team will work together to devise a training/experience plan which will allow the crewmember to achieve the satisfactory qualifications and experience to become a JetBlue first officer

    • Once the plan has been approved, the crewmember will follow the plan and provide regular reports to the Gateways team for the duration of the program

    • Successful applicants must meet all gates/criteria within FIVE (5) YEARS of the initial conditional job offer in order for it to remain valid. Any crewmember that doesn’t return within that time frame will need to reapply.

  • Study and train.

    • Accepted candidates can complete their flight training at the flight school/training center of their choice.

  • Gain experience.

    • Fly for Cape Air, JSX, Tradewind Aviation, or a Part 121 regional carrier to meet the flight time requirements and complete your full commitment with the carrier (as applicable).

    • Attend the jet transition course (as applicable).

    • Note: working as a flight instructor is not required but highly encouraged

  • JetBlue onboarding.

    • Successfully complete all requirements to become a JetBlue first officer, including but not limited to a background check, drug/alcohol testing, PRIA review and Pilot Hiring Committee final approval.

Eligibility requirements.

All candidates must: 

  • Must be in active status and have been a Crewmember for at least one (1) year.

  • Must successfully complete the entire selection process, including application and interview

  • Must be in good standing and remain in good standing (not on any form of progressive guidance) throughout the duration of the program

  • Upon completion of program must have ability to meet all requirements in Pilot Trainee requisition upon return to JetBlue.

 

 HOW TO APPLY

Land your dream job with Gateway Flex.

 
 

  • Step 1

    Submit an application during the designated period.

  • Step 2

    If you’re selected to move forward, you'll be invited to meet with the JetBlue team for a series of interviews.

  • Step 3

    If you’re selected for the program, you will be notified and provided with details on the next steps.

Get in touch.

Have a question that isn’t answered on the Gateway program pages or in our FAQ? Use the form to contact the Gateways team.

Please note: This form does not constitute an application and does not enable email updates.