Join us for NGPA 2026
February 1, 2026
This week, the Aviate team is headed to Palm Springs, CA, for the 2026 National Gay Pilots Association (NGPA) Industry Expo from February 5 – 6, where United is the presenting sponsor! These days will be packed with education, networking, celebration and more.
If you haven’t yet, there’s still time to purchase your registration!
See below for more info about where you can find our Aviate and United teams throughout the event.
Thursday, February 5
Expo Opening Ceremony & Keynote featuring Patrick Quayle
Celebrate the start of the Expo with a welcome note from Patrick Quayle, United’s Senior Vice President of Global Network Planning and Alliance.
When: 8:00 – 9:00 a.m.
Where: California Grand Ballroom
United's Booth
Come visit the Aviate and Pilot Hiring teams at Booth 619!
When: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
*The Expo Hall will be closed from 12:00 – 1:30 p.m. for lunch and keynote speaker.
Where: Palm Springs Convention Center, Oasis 2&3
United Meet & Greets
Connect with the United Airlines’ Pilot Hiring team for personalized resume review and get your specific questions answered.
*Meet & Greets will be closed from 12:00 – 1:30 p.m. for lunch and keynote speaker.
When: 9:05 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Where: Smoketree C
United Industry Briefing
Join the United Airlines Flight Operations team for a detailed look at what a career in the flight deck looks like. Learn about pilot bases, the world’s largest fleet, upgrade times, specifics around the application and recruitment process plus career advancement opportunities.
When: 9:15 – 10:15 a.m.
Where: Mesquite B
Luncheon featuring Marc Champion
Join Marc Champion, Vice President of Flight Operations, as he shares insights about United and his career progression.
When: 12:00 – 1:30 p.m.
Where: California Grand Ballroom
United 101
Your career is in session! From the flight deck and network planning to airport operations and corporate roles, come meet the United Airlines team and ask all the questions about what it takes to start and build a career with the world’s largest airline.
When: 4:15 – 5:15 p.m.
Where: Mesquite G
Friday, February 6
United’s Booth
Come visit the Aviate and Pilot Hiring teams at Booth 619!
When: 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Where: Palm Springs Convention Center, Oasis 2&3
Student Member Breakfast and United Pathway Panel
A panel featuring leaders from Aviate, Navigate/Network Operations and more will spotlight United Airlines’ commitment to developing the next generation of aviation professionals.
Student Member Breakfast
When: 8:30 – 9:30 a.m.
United Pathway Panel
When: 8:45 – 9:15 a.m.
Where: San Rosa/San Jacinto
United Meet & Greets
Connect with the United Airlines’ Pilot Hiring team for personalized resume review and get your specific questions answered.
When: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Where: Smoketree C
United 101
Your career is in session! From the flight deck and network planning to airport operations and corporate roles, come meet the United Airlines team and ask all the questions about what it takes to start and build a career with the world’s largest airline.
When: 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Where: Mesquite G
United Industry Briefing
Join the United Airlines Flight Operations team to learn about pilot bases, the world’s largest fleet, upgrade times, the application and recruitment process plus career advancement opportunities.
When: 11:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.
Where: Mesquite B