August 19 is National Aviation Day in the United States, originally established in 1939 by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt to celebrate the development of aviation. This day coincides with the anniversary of the birth of Orville Wright, who was born on August 19, 1871, and, along with his brother, Wilbur, is credited with building and flying a machine that pioneered the way for the modern airplane. 

ALPA congratulates U.S.-based cabin crew members for Norwegian Air’s operations on their recent vote in favor of union representation by the Norwegian Cabin Crew Association.

As the world’s largest airline pilot union, ALPA is celebrating 85 years of championing high labor standards for North American airline industry workers and fair competition in the international marketplace.

The U.S.-based Norwegian Air cabin crew serves in long-haul operations and work intercontinental flights between Europe and the United States, and Thailand. Norwegian Air currently serves U.S. destinations including Boston, Las Vegas, Miami, Orlando, Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco. 

In a letter published in the August 9 edition of the Irish Times, Capt. Evan Cullen, president of the Irish Air Line Pilots’ Association (IALPA), points out that “Norwegian Airlines can easily operate from Cork to the U.S. tomorrow under their previously agreed terms and conditions.”

Cullen notes, “It is extraordinary that so many Irish agencies appear happy to promote the NAI proposal, while ignoring the potential damage it can do to the existing employment standards,” and that “Most surprisingly, the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) has been an active supporter of NAI’s proposal, straying a long way from its function as the aviation safety regulator.” 

What did MEC chairman Capt. Brian Roseen do when he discovered a need for wheelchair-accessible baseball fields in his community? He pulled off a near-miracle, with the help of the Miracle League of Minnesota, a not-for-profit organization which provides opportunities for children with special needs to play baseball. 

Today, August 5, is the official start of the summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with the opening ceremonies airing tonight nationwide and around the world. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to compete in the Olympics with thousands of top-performing athletes?  It became a reality for one ALPA pilot 32 years ago.