Guest Commentary By Capt. Stuart Morrison, ALPA Spirit Master Executive Council Chairman 

This week, airline passengers and cargo shippers at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport saw nearly 100 Spirit Airlines pilots conduct informational picketing in uniform. Joined by pilots from Frontier Airlines, Republic Airlines, and Southwest Airlines, ALPA members who fly for Spirit Airlines stood in unity to express support for our Negotiating Committee members as they bargain a new contract.

From all of us at ALPA International, to all our friends, members, and staff in Canada: Happy Thanksgiving! This weekend, we join our Canadian colleagues and reflect on how and why we are so fortunate to be part of the incredible aviation community. 

Guest Commentary by Sam Pool, Envoy Master Executive Council Chairman

Becoming an airline pilot has never been a cheap or easy proposition. It requires extensive education, training, and experience. The career tack for aspiring pilots is challenging—and expensive. 

Logic would dictate that those who endure and succeed would be rewarded with pay and benefits that match the investment. However, many regional airlines are not adapting––starting pilot salaries at many remain less than $30,000. 

Nowhere is this failure to adapt more evident than in the so-called “pilot shortage.” To be clear, there is no shortage of individuals qualified or interested in becoming qualified to fly airliners. However, there is absolutely a shortage of individuals willing to assume the responsibilities of an airline pilot for the compensation currently being offered. Compelling evidence indicates that this shortage can be mitigated––those airlines that offer higher compensation are having no problems finding pilots to fly their planes.

Amid record setting profits and the launch of daily service to Narita, ALPA President Capt. Tim Canoll joined hundreds of Hawaiian Airlines pilots at Honolulu International Airport for an informational picketing event.  As the airline celebrated its inaugural Honolulu-Narita daily route, pilots warned passengers that their island vacations could be at risk if the pilot group is forced by management into a lawful strike.

“We regret the inconvenience to our domestic and international customers, but we want to make sure all of them are aware of the labor strife at our airline and the bargaining position of our management that has led to this point,” said Capt. Hoon Lee, chairman of ALPA’s Hawaiian Airlines group. 

Read more about today’s picketing event here.

ALPA pilot groups across the country received significant media attention this week after industry announcements were covered by the press.

In Atlanta, Delta Air Lines pilots sent a strong message to management with the opening of a strike center. Capt. John Malone, chairman of the Delta MEC, cautioned that “while we are fully committed and have dedicated all necessary resources to reach an agreement this summer, we are preparing for any eventuality allowed to us under the Railway Labor Act, including efforts from informational picketing to a legal strike.”

Meanwhile, in Hawaii, pilots and frontline employees at Hawaiian Airlines were awarded top honors by Skytrax for having the Best Airline Staff Service in North America this year. This award was particularly meaningful for these ALPA pilots, who are also nearing a possible strike after stalled negotiations.

Capt. Hoon Lee, chairman of the Hawaiian MEC, reiterated that, “This recognition is further proof of the value of frontline employees in the financial success of our airline. At a time when Hawaiian is experiencing historic success, there is no reason for management to continue to ignore the role that pilots play in ensuring that our airline continues to lead the industry.”

Visit www.alpa.org for further information on issues affecting today’s pilots.