United Airlines Renews Enhanced Sponsorship Agreement with NGPA for 2018
United demonstrates continued commitment to supporting diversity and inclusion
WASHINGTON, D.C. Nov. 7, 2018–The National Gay Pilots Association (NGPA) today announced a renewed Diamond Elite-level sponsorship with United Airlines. United will serve as presenting sponsor of NGPA’s flagship West Coast event, the 2018 Palm Springs Winter Warm-Up, as well as the 2018 NGPA Industry Expo. Both events will be held this February in Palm Springs, Calif.
“United Airlines is a very important partner for the NGPA,” said Executive Director David Pettet. “As a first-in-class Diamond Elite-level sponsor, United Airlines clearly understands the important impact that a strong diversity and inclusion vision can have. Their continued commitment to this vision sends a positive message to their global customers and employees about the corporate values that drive the flyer-friendly mission.”
“Over the last several years of partnering with NGPA, our growing relationship has played an important role in our broader diversity strategy. Looking ahead at recruiting qualified pilots, United remains committed to creating an inclusive work community,” said Gregory Jones, chief diversity officer of United. “Our partnership with NGPA ensures that the LGBT community is included in our search for United Pilots.”
In 2017, NGPA received more support from airlines, aviation organizations, and members than ever before in its 27-year history. Since its founding in 1990, donations have supported programs and scholarships to further LGBT equality within the aviation community, including education and careers in aviation. This year, NGPA and NGPA Education Fund are pleased to announce that over $100,000 in scholarships will be awarded.
Current sponsors include several airlines, aviation corporations, and flight institutions that provide year-round support of NGPA’s mission. The association expanded globally in 2017, and now supports the LGBT aviation community in more than 14 countries and growing.
About the NGPA
Founded in 1990 in Washington D.C., the National Gay Pilots Association (NGPA) is an organization of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) pilots and other aviation enthusiasts from around the world. Through education, outreach programs, and social events, the organization encourages members of the LGBT community to begin piloting careers; fosters equal treatment of LGBT aviators through advocacy and outreach; promotes aviation safety, and provides an affirming social and professional network for LGBT aviators. Follow the NGPA on Facebook and Twitter. More information is available via the association’s website, www.ngpa.org.
About United
United Airlines and United Express operate approximately 4,500 flights a day to 337 airports across five continents. In 2016, United and United Express operated more than 1.6 million flights carrying more than 143 million customers. United is proud to have the world's most comprehensive route network, including U.S. mainland hubs in Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Newark/New York, San Francisco and Washington, D.C. United operates 751 mainline aircraft and the airline’s United Express carriers operate 489 regional aircraft. The airline is a founding member of Star Alliance, which provides service to more than 190 countries via 28 member airlines. For more information, visit united.com, follow @United on Twitter or connect on Facebook. The common stock of United's parent, United Continental Holdings, Inc., is traded on the NYSE under the symbol “UAL”.
Media Contacts
David Pettet
Executive Director
National Gay Pilots Association
866.800.NGPA
[email protected]
United Airlines
Worldwide Media Relations
872-825-8640
[email protected]
