Release #: 19.31
July 18, 2019

ALPA Awards Presidential Citation to JetBlue Airways Capt. Keith McClanahan

Summerfield Pilot Honored for Contributions to Jumpseat Program

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA) today recognized JetBlue Airways Capt. Keith McClanahan with a Presidential Citation for his outstanding contributions to the union’s Jumpseat program. The award was presented during ALPA’s 65th Air Safety Forum.

“Capt. McClanahan has worked hard to ensure that all pilots have access to airline jumpseats which serve as a critical resource for crewmembers around the world,” said Capt. Joe DePete, ALPA president. “His efforts to expand jumpseat privileges internationally has helped underscore ALPA’s reputation as a leader in improving the lives of airline pilots in the aviation industry as a whole.”

During his time as chair of the Air Safety Organization’s (ASO) Aviation Jumpseat Council, Capt. McClanahan has been a key promoter and supporter advancing pilot-in-command authority, as well as working on an international jumpseat program. Through his dedicated efforts, he has earned the reputation as a tireless advocate for his fellow JetBlue pilots and all ALPA pilots.

“Capt. McClanahan’s unwavering commitment to his duties as chair and vice chair of the ASO Aviation Jumpseat Council has improved the lives and working conditions for both his fellow JetBlue pilots as well as countless other airline pilots around the world,” said Capt. Patrick Walsh, chairman of the JetBlue unit of ALPA. “JetBlue, ALPA, and the aviation industry continue to benefit from his expertise and dedication.”

Founded in 1931, ALPA is the largest airline pilot union in the world and represents over 62,000 pilots at 35 U.S. and Canadian airlines. Visit the ALPA website at alpa.org or follow us on Twitter @WeAreALPA.

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CONTACT: ALPA Media, 703-481-4440 or Media@alpa.org