Release #: 18.19
August 02, 2018

Alaska Airlines Capt. Anthony “AJ” Berlotti Awarded with ALPA’s Presidential Citation

Frisco Pilot Honored for Commitment to Aviation Security

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA) today recognized Alaska Airlines Capt. Anthony “AJ” Berlotti with a Presidential Citation for his tireless commitment to improving access and security for pilots while traveling on a flight deck jumpseat. The award was presented during ALPA’s 64th Air Safety Forum in Washington, D.C.

“ALPA volunteers like Capt. Berlotti are the foundation of our union and a major component in ensuring that ALPA remains the largest, most effective nongovernmental aviation safety organization in the world,” said Capt. Tim Canoll, ALPA president. “Capt. Berlotti’s dedication to ensure that pilots have the resources needed to report to work timely, efficiently and safely, helps the entire profession. We are grateful for all of his efforts and proud to recognize his numerous accomplishments.”

Capt. Berlotti has been steadfast in his work to promote cockpit jumpseat access, especially regarding web and data technical support. Capt. Berlotti’s efforts to underscore the numerous benefits of having a licensed commercial airline pilot in the flight deck’s jumpseat was demonstrated last year when he successfully assisted an American Airlines crew in managing a passenger who had become irate and noncompliant while Capt. Berlotti was traveling by jumpseat on a flight between Dallas and Los Angeles.

“Capt. Berlotti is a model steward who has unselfishly donated countless hours to improving cockpit jumpseat access. Through his dedication he has set a high standard for ALPA Committee volunteers. His actions on the American Airlines flight are a true reflection that exemplifies how jumpseating pilots can be used as additional safety and security assets for the captain and crew on an aircraft. We want to publicly congratulate AJ for his achievement and thank him for his commitment to excellence,” Capt. Jonathan Wrigley, chairman of the Alaska Airlines unit of ALPA.

Founded in 1931, ALPA is the largest airline pilot union in the world and represents over 60,000 pilots at 34 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