This weekend, as thousands of aviation enthusiasts gather at the annual International Women in Aviation conference in Reno, Nev., looking to fulfill their dreams of becoming an airline pilot, ALPA members and staff from across the country will be on hand to serve as the face and the voice of the professional female ALPA pilot. 

On behalf of more than 58,000 pilots of the Air Line Pilots Association, International, ALPA applauds the Department of Transportation and Secretary Elaine Chao’s commitment to making it easier for our veterans to work in the best industry in the world. Many of ALPA’s members have proudly served our country in uniform, and the union stands ready to assist others in breaking down barriers that may impede them from pursuing carriers in aviation, all while maintaining the highest levels of safety.

It is both sad and unsurprising that some are using the humanitarian crisis in Puerto Rico to attack the Jones Act -- a maritime cabotage law that protects good U.S. jobs and ensures the U.S. military has sealift capability in times of war or conflict. Sad because the crisis in Puerto Rico is real and the people there need and deserve help from our government, but more to the point, undermining the Jones Act will not solve the problem.  It is unsurprising because ALPA knows that foreign interests will find just about any excuse to try and weaken U.S. cabotage rules at the expense of U.S. workers and fair competition.    

On September 23, Women in Aviation International (WAI) chapters around the world held events to celebrate Girls in Aviation Day 2017. ALPA members were enthusiastic about pitching in to help with this important initiative to ignite girls’ enthusiasm for the aviation industry. Through its Education Committee, ALPA coordinated with WAI and provided informational materials to support local efforts. Pilot volunteers also participated in several different events to connect with young girls and inspire them to consider careers as professional airline pilots.

Sixteen years ago, our lives and our industry were changed forever. Today, we pause to remember the events of September 11, 2001, and to honor the brave men and women who heroically made the ultimate sacrifice.