With the 2019 International Women in Aviation Conference behind us, ALPA would like to thank Women in Aviation International and all the conference speakers for putting on such an engaging and inspiring event. It’s always encouraging to gather as we celebrate and reflect upon the many ways in which women have advanced in aviation's past, present, and into the future. 

Around the world, we join the millions coming together on International Women’s Day to celebrate the pioneers who have paved the way for women’s rights and made great strides for women in flight. ALPA’s female pilots, making up 6.6 percent of our pilot population, have made a significant impact on aviation and are vital to the success of the pilot profession.

 But how do we increase the number of women in flight?

Seventeen years ago, on September 11, 2001, the unthinkable happened—the very aircraft we operate each day to deliver passengers and cargo to destinations around the globe were used as weapons in terrorist attacks. And today, every time pilots and passengers fly, there are reminders of the tremendous impacts that day had on our industry.

The Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP) is holding its 42nd Annual Convention and Career Expo in Houston, Tex., on August 14–17, 2018. This annual aerospace convention includes notable industry speakers, development workshops, networking opportunities, scholarship presentations, and a career exhibit hall with more than 30 participating carriers—and ALPA will be there!

This week in Washington, D.C., stakeholders across the North American aviation industry gathered to discuss all things aviation safety and security at ALPA’s 64th Air Safety Forum.

ALPA president Capt. Tim Canoll opened the Forum’s public session on Wednesday by highlighting the results of a recent poll indicating that more than 80 percent of the American public say that they are not ready for pilotless airplanes. Even when offered airline ticket prices 30 percent lower than current fares, two-thirds said they would not take the deal to fly on a pilotless airplane. And nearly 70 percent stated that they opposed the proposed regulations providing for a government-funded study regarding the idea. Canoll framed the decision as “save a buck or save a life” and said that these poll results show clearly that the American public sides with ALPA's focus on safety in this important issue.