United Council 52 (JFK) Holds Final Meeting

United Airlines Council 52 (JFK) held its final meeting earlier week in Englewood Cliffs, N.J., closing a long chapter of pilot representation for United pilots domiciled in New York City. After the merger with Continental Airlines is completed with the announcement of the integrated seniority list and the combining of the United and Continental MECs into one governing body, Council 52 will merge with CAL Council 170 (Newark) and become UAL Council 5.

“I would like to say that it has been an honor and a privilege to have served the pilots of Council 52 for the past five-and-a-half years,” said Council 52 chairman Captain Mike DeSantis in his closing remarks during last week’s meeting. “The success of this council has been possible because of the tremendous support that I have received from those around me. The guidance from those who came before me, and the assistance from ALPA support staff and the MEC office were essential. The committee volunteers from Council 52 and from the MEC committees have been amazing, and I wholeheartedly thank them for their support. [Council Vice Chairman] Rob [Slovitsky] and [Secretary-Treasurer] Chris [McCullough] have been truly exceptional—their assistance, support, and personal sacrifice helped me make this the exceptional council that it truly is. Mostly I want to thank the pilots of this council. With few exceptions, your confidence in us, your support, and your professionalism through some very trying times has been extraordinary. I look to the success of our new council; I hope for a successful completion of the merger and the success our airline; and I wish each and every one of you a successful completion to your career.”