Release #: 15.21
May 29, 2015

ALPA Welcomes CBP Plans to Help U.S. Airlines’ Passengers Clear Customs

U.S. Customs Resources Must Be Used to Benefit U.S. Aviation Industry and Workers

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Capt. Tim Canoll, president of the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA), issued the following statement regarding today’s U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announcement that it plans to expand its preclearance program.

“The Air Line Pilots Association, International welcomes plans by U.S. Customs and Border Protection to operate preclearance facilities at additional airports in Europe, the Caribbean, and Japan. All of the locations are served by U.S. airlines and the CBP facilities are designed to allow U.S.-bound passengers to clear customs before they enter the United States.

“We are pleased that CBP worked with ALPA and provided us with the opportunity to offer recommendations to enhance the customs experience for the benefit of U.S. airlines, their passengers, and their workers as we compete globally.

“For many years, ALPA’s strongly-held position has been that CBP resources should be used to benefit U.S. taxpayers, U.S. airline passengers, and the U.S. economy by making it easier to travel to the United States.

“ALPA is examining the potential effect that CBP’s plans could have on the economic competitiveness of U.S. airlines. ALPA appreciates its strong working relationship with CBP and we will continue to collaborate closely with the agency to achieve our mutual goal of advancing U.S. airlines’ and workers’ ability to compete in the global marketplace.”

Founded in 1931, ALPA is the world’s largest pilot union, representing more than 51,000 pilots at 30 airlines in the United States and Canada. Visit the ALPA website at www.alpa.org or follow us on Twitter @WeAreALPA.

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