When it comes to discussing solutions to ensure that North America has the most qualified, highly-trained, professional pilots for our industry’s continued success, ALPA is leading the charge.
While some in industry and media have worked to manufacture claims that a looming pilot shortage is a reason to roll back vital safety provisions and discontinue service on unprofitable routes, ALPA has been fighting back on those assertions and shining a light on the real issue – that a lack of career growth and extremely low first-year salaries at some airlines are causing many to rethink a career as an airline pilot.
In a recent interview, ALPA President Capt. Canoll said, “We have many more pilots than people are asserting. We have plenty of pilots with certificates who are available to fly. The problem is they don't want the jobs; the jobs don't provide proper pay and benefits.”
Last week, ALPA refuted claims that the Republic Airways recent bankruptcy filing was due to alleged pilot shortage. By moving beyond the rhetoric and focusing on facts, Capt. Canoll added that “certain segments of the U.S. airline industry need to stop making excuses and get to work making the permanent changes to pilot salary and career advancement that are necessary to attract the strongest pilot candidates who meet the highest training standards.”
In addition to clearing up misperceptions, ALPA has also been calling on Congress to ensure that the United States continues to be a world leader in aviation safety. By working with key stakeholders, we will continue to will protect our nation’s standing as one of the safest air transport systems in the world and push back against any threats that would undermine one of the safest periods in aviation history.