Release #: 21.07
February 01, 2021

ALPA Applauds Long-Awaited Federal Mask Mandate

Requirement Will Protect Public Health, Help Aviation Economy

McLEAN, Va.—The Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA) issued the following statement in support of a new Transportation Security Administration directive and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) order that mandates the use of face masks on nearly all forms of public transportation, including air travel, effective at 11:59 p.m. ET tonight:

“ALPA applauds the new mandate that will require passengers to wear masks in all U.S. airports and onboard commercial airline aircraft. For the essential, frontline aviation workers who continue to put their health at risk in order to deliver medical personnel, equipment, and supplies to the outbreak hotspots, this far-overdue action will go a long way to help ensure the safety and health of crewmembers and their families. In addition, this clear requirement will reassure the traveling public and help speed the recovery of the battered aviation industry.

“This coordinated level of government leadership and action will enable crewmembers to swiftly handle noncompliant passengers before any potential in-flight issues arise.      

“Since the onset of COVID-19, ALPA has called on federal regulators to mandate compliance with CDC guidelines, including mask wearing, to protect the health and safety of all those onboard the aircraft and to prevent the needless loss of life and careers.”

 

Founded in 1931, ALPA is the largest airline pilot union in the world and represents over 59,000 pilots at 35 U.S. and Canadian airlines. Visit the ALPA website at alpa.org or follow us on Twitter @ALPAPilots.

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