Today is National Aviation Day, a national U.S. observation on the anniversary of Orville Wright’s birthday to celebrate the development of aviation. The industry has come a long way since this day was originally commemorated by Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1939, and even more so since Wilbur Wright’s first flight attempt in 1903. 

One thing is for sure: aviation will never stop advancing. By it’s very nature, this industry was intended to soar. 

No one is more committed to ensuring we have enough qualified and experienced pilots to keep commercial aviation safe than the Air Line Pilots Association. The good news is that we currently have more fully qualified pilots in the United States than there are positions available, and air travel is the safest mode of transportation in the world due to our commitment to schedule with safety. However, we do need to make sure we have an adequate future supply of qualified pilots – earning good salaries – and guard against efforts to reduce safety, especially as it relates to pilot training and qualifications. That’s why the Air Line Pilots Association has worked for many years to mentor and inspire the next generation of pilots and advocate for loan forgiveness programs and other incentives to make it more affordable to become an airline pilot. .

The most important safety feature of any airline operation is a well-trained, highly experienced and qualified professional pilot. And the best way to attract and retain these pilots is to pay them competitive wages and offer a solid career progression.

Emirates Airline plans to operate daily flights from Newark to Dubai through Athens beginning March 12 is yet another example of the airline massive subsidies it receives from the United Arab Emirates government.

In the latest demonstration of national union support for Hawaiian Airlines pilots, Air Line Pilots Association, Int'l (ALPA) president Capt. Tim Canoll met on January 6 with the pilots and the Honolulu news media to express solidarity in the pilots fight for a fair contract.