Posted on Tuesday, May 20, 2025
New custom Cirrus SR20 lands at Ellington Airport after maiden voyage
Texas Southern University (TSU) is taking a major step forward in aviation education with the delivery of the first of 12 custom 2025 Cirrus SR20 aircraft. This marks the first partnership between Cirrus Aircraft and a Historically Black College or University (HBCU).
“This is a major change for our university and our flight program within the Aviation Science Management program at Texas Southern University,” said Executive Director of Aviation Dr. Terence Fontaine. “This is going to transform what we do on a daily basis as far as training our students to become commercial airline pilots.”
The University’s historic investment will propel its Aviation Science Management program, further aligning it with industry standards and equipping students with the skills and experience to excel in corporate, aerospace, and commercial aviation.
The new fleet will replace the aging fleet currently in use, reduce maintenance costs associated and increase the availability of aircraft for flight students to use daily. It will not only elevate the University’s burgeoning program but will also empower the next generation of aviators and aerospace leaders – ensuring they are prepared to meet the challenges of tomorrow with skill, vision, and distinction.
“This is the same trainer that United Airlines uses for their pilots in the Aviate program,” Dr. Fontaine said. “It gives our students an edge that they have needed.”
This investment comes during unprecedented success for the aviation program. It has experienced record enrollment for two consecutive academic years, underscoring the increasing interest and trust in TSU’s ability to prepare students for dynamic careers in the aviation industry. Additionally, the program ascended into the top 50 rankings for aviation degree programs and remains one of less than 50 programs in the world to achieve Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI) accreditation.
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