Release #: 20.23
September 17, 2020

ALPA’s Latest Investment in the Future of Airline Travel Is “Ready for Takeoff”

MCLEAN, Va.—The Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA) today demonstrated its deep-rooted investment in the airline industry by launching a new public-awareness campaign to reassure passengers that when they are ready to take to the skies, airline pilots are ready for takeoff. ALPA’s “Ready for Takeoff” paid advertising campaign is the Association’s latest effort aimed at reminding the flying public that pilots are on the job, ready to fly, and taking precautions for COVID-19 in order to get them safely to their destinations.

“The times may feel uncertain and our checklist may be a little longer, but pilots are ready for takeoff and as committed as ever to the safety of our passengers and crew,” said Capt. Joe DePete, ALPA president. “Whether you’re flying for business, pleasure, or some combination of both, you can feel confident knowing pilots are taking precautions for COVID-19 and are ready to get you where you’re going safely.”

ALPA’s initiative builds on work the union has accomplished since the start of the current public health crisis—reassuring the flying public, advocating for payroll support for aviation workers, and calling for mandatory compliance with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. “Ready for Takeoff” will use a mix of print, digital, and social ads to drive home the message that when travelers are ready to take to the skies again, they can feel confident knowing pilots are ready to get them there safely.

The campaign, which leverages the unique perspective and credibility of airline pilots when it comes to aviation safety, launches in nine major metropolitan areas throughout the United States and Canada ahead of the holiday travel season and roughly two weeks after the TSA’s daily count of U.S. passengers topped 900,000 for the first time since March 17—an indication that people are returning to flying, though still down significantly year-over-year.

“We’ve done our part not only to help the nation through the pandemic, but also help our industry weather the economic storm,” continued Capt. DePete. “Even in these challenging times, our pilots continue to set the international standard for flight safety thanks to our unmatched training and steadfast commitment to excellence.”

For more information on ALPA’s Ready for Takeoff initiative, visit ready.alpa.org.

Founded in 1931, ALPA is the largest airline pilot union in the world and represents nearly 63,000 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