Airline pilots are on the frontlines in the fight against the coronavirus, working around the clock to transport medical personnel and critical supplies, including Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), test kits, and other materials needed to combat this global pandemic. Unfortunately, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the agency charged with keeping flying safe and protecting crewmembers, is making it hard for us to do our jobs safely—posing a risk to our health and threatening a vital supply chain. 

Right now, the same airline pilots who fly your family for a vacation and deliver products for your business, large and small, are now fighting on the frontlines of the COVID-19 public-health crisis—transporting doctors, nurses, and medical personnel to the outbreak hotspots and keeping global supply chains moving to provide essential medical supplies. These same airline pilots are also helping strengthen the U.S. and Canadian economies by flying goods and services that drive commerce.

Now as ever, ALPA’s top priority remains the safety of our passengers, cargo, and—just as importantly—our flight crewmembers. It is crucial every effort be taken to safeguard this essential workforce so vital to the health and well-being of our communities.

As the world confronts COVID-19, airline pilots are doing our jobs: safeguarding passengers and freight while bringing people, goods, and services together to drive the global economy. As your captains and first officers, we need Congress to do its job by swiftly providing economic assistance to stabilize the airline industry and protect the frontline aviation workers who help keep our skies safe and our country moving.

Government leaders are currently working on a third relief package that may include much-needed support for airlines. It is imperative that swift action be taken to ensure the viability of our industry and that frontline aviation workers are not left behind. ALPA is adamant that any airline relief program must include strong labor protections to ensure that frontline aviation employees and their families receive much-needed assistance.