Release #: 21.49
August 18, 2021

ALPA Supports Federal Mask Mandate Extension

McLEAN, Va.—The Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA) today issued the following statement on the federal government’s announcement it will extend its mask mandate through Jan. 18, 2022:

“Since the onset of COVID-19, we have called on the Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administration to mandate compliance with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines, including mask-wearing by passengers, to protect the health and safety of all those onboard the aircraft and to prevent the needless loss of life and careers.

“ALPA supports the federal government’s mask mandate extension. Since facial coverings have been proven to help stop the spread of COVID-19, this commonsense approach to mandate compliance with public health guidelines will help ensure the safety and health of crewmembers on every flight. Additionally, layered prevention strategies such as wearing a mask and receiving a COVID-19 vaccination, as recommended by the CDC, will also help protect the airline industry’s path to economic recovery.”

Founded in 1931, ALPA is the largest airline pilot union in the world and represents more than 60,000 pilots at 36 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