Release #: JBU 25.02
February 11, 2025
JetBlue Pilot Leadership Responds to Company Staffing Changes on 25th Anniversary
Pilots Deliver for Company While Facing Instability
NEW YORK—Capt. Wayne Scales, chairman of the JetBlue Master Executive Council (MEC) of the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA), responded to JetBlue Airways’ initiation of pilot staffing adjustments and the resulting reduction in captain positions across its entire fleet. The Company has formally begun their process of “realigning” pilot staffing across the JetBlue network, which includes shrinking pilot bases, eliminating the Embraer E190 aircraft fleet, and reducing 285 captain positions.
“Today, as the company celebrates JetBlue’s 25th anniversary, JetBlue pilots are facing downgrades, associated decreases in income, and displacements from their bases—shouldering not only the consequences of external factors affecting the industry and the airline but also JetBlue leadership’s previous unsuccessful business strategies.
“Despite their career instability, JetBlue pilots continue to deliver for our airline. Our pilot group embodies the highest standards of professionalism, ensuring the airline’s success. Through voluntary measures, JetBlue pilots have also saved the company tens of millions of dollars and contributed directly to its recent improvements, including JetBlue’s operating profit last quarter.
“Last month, ALPA and JetBlue reached a letter of agreement providing eligible pilots an opportunity for voluntary early separation from JetBlue, resulting in mitigation of 52 of the company’s originally planned captain downgrades.
“JetBlue pilots remain united through these challenges. The MEC will continue to advocate tirelessly for all JetBlue pilots and work toward securing a contract that advances their careers and recognizes their contributions to our airline.”
Founded in 1931, ALPA is the largest airline pilot union in the world and represents more than 79,000 pilots at 42 U.S. and Canadian airlines. Visit ALPA.org or follow us on Twitter @ALPAPilots.
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CONTACT: ALPA Media, 703-481-4440 or Media@alpa.org