Texas Southern University Achieves Aviation Accreditation Board International Approval

Texas Southern University’s aviation program has been professionally accredited by the Aviation Accreditation Board International. The university becomes just the second HBCU in history to achieve AABI accreditation. Texas Southern joins the ranks of 43 other aviation programs around the world and now boasts the only AABI-accredited aviation program in the state of Texas.

The program’s fleet includes two full-flight simulators and seven aircraft, with an eighth plane on the way. The planes are currently housed at Ellington Airport. Eventually, they will be housed in a new hangar being constructed at the Houston Spaceport thanks to the generous support of the City of Houston. In addition, the program has placed its first four pilots into Destination 225°, a career pathway program through a partnership with Southwest Airlines.

Terence Fontaine, executive director of aviation at Texas Southern University stated that “being accredited by the AABI puts us in the company of the top aviation programs in the country. It is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our fantastic students, faculty, staff, leadership, alumni, advisory board, and partners who have shown their commitment to ensuring our program reaches the highest level possible. We celebrate this accomplishment while looking forward to the path ahead that we believe will result in our program being one of the most prestigious in America.”

“The future is bright for aviation at TSU,” added James Benham, a member of the university’s board of regents. “We want airlines to know that when hiring pilots, TSU produces future pilots that are well-trained and well-prepared to succeed from the day they walk in the door and into the cockpit. This accreditation, and our new facilities under development, speak volumes for the program and the university at large. We are committed to the continued success of our aviation program and the opportunities that it provides for our students.”