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Evidence of $42 Billion in Subsidies and Benefits by State-Owned Carriers Revealed A 55-page white paper released last week documents $42 billion in government subsidies and unfair benefits provided to Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, and Emirates Airline in direct violation of U.S. Open Skies policy. The paper, Restoring Open Skies: The Need to Address Subsidized Competition from State-Owned Airlines in Qatar and the UAE, was released by American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines, along with ALPA, the Allied Pilots Association, the Association of Professional Flight Attendants, and the Airline Division of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. ALPA Reaches Out to Norwegian Pilots; Strike Comes to an End Yesterday, after 11 days on a strike that canceled most of the company's flights, Norwegian Air Shuttle (NAS) pilots reached an agreement with airline management. During the strike, ALPA expressed support for the NAS pilots as they fought for fair working conditions after the two parties failed to reach a mutual agreement, in part due to management's insistence that the pilots' contract be with one of the company's subsidiaries and not the parent company itself. With the new agreement, the pilots will remain employed by the airline's subsidiaries in exchange for a three-year job guarantee.
On the Horizon: Share Your Story at the Pilot Assistance Forum ALPA's 2015 Pilot Assistance Forum will take place in Washington, D.C., on April 1–2. The draft agenda for this year's event, appropriately themed "Share Your Story," is available on the event website, and registration is open. Join your fellow ALPA pilots and industry professionals as they share their pilot-assistance experience on topics ranging from personal stories to best practices for inflight medical response, the connection between addiction and trauma, and much more. Read more and register today. ALPA Members Connect at Women in aviation Hundreds of ALPA members navigated uncommonly icy weather to gather in Dallas, Tex., March 5–7, for the 26th Annual International Women in Aviation Conference. This conference brought together women and men from all facets of the industry—pilots, airlines, aspiring aviators, government regulators, military personnel, engineers, universities, and others. Under the conference theme of "connect, engage, inspire," participants took advantage of educational sessions and social networking opportunities to learn new strategies, share experiences, and support each other on their career path and life journey. Showcasing a new booth garnering rave reviews, volunteers from ALPA's Education and Membership committees and staff spoke with countless members, industry professionals, and aspiring aviators about our union, its resources, and its efforts to safeguard and enhance the piloting profession. Highlights from the conference included meet and greets with airline employment representatives (many of which were ALPA member carriers), an Exhibit Hall with more than 120 booths, and over $600,000 in scholarships that included two Boeing and two Airbus type ratings. Numerous ALPA members distinguished themselves from a pool of very strong candidates to win some of the coveted scholarships donated by sponsor companies, Women in Aviation, Int'l, and other supportive organizations. Congratulations to all! View more photos from this year's event and mark your calendar—next year's conference is scheduled for March 10–12, 2016, in Nashville, Tenn. Annual Conference Prepares ALPA Secretary-Treasurers More than 20 pilot representatives are in Herndon, Va., this week for ALPA's 2015 MEC Secretary-Treasurers Conference to review the policies and practices necessary for maintaining proper union governance. In addition, these financial controllers are taking advantage of this annual forum to meet with ALPA's national officers and staff and to network with peers from other airlines. "The jobs you've stepped into are some of the most critical in the Association," said ALPA president Capt. Tim Canoll, who thanked the pilot members for their service and commitment. Canoll provided a "State of Our Skies" presentation, examining the various strategic initiatives and issues driving the union. He noted that as many as two-thirds of ALPA's pilot groups could be in some stage of contract negotiations later this year and that the Association will need to continue to manage its resources wisely. Vice president–finance/treasurer Capt. Randy Helling, who is serving as conference moderator, noted that the annual conference gives secretary-treasurers the tools they need to more effectively do the job. He reminded them of their fiduciary responsibility, adding, "It's a vitally important task you fill. The trust of our pilots is something that shouldn't be taken lightly, especially when it comes to their hard-earned dues money." Capt. Bill Couette, ALPA vice president–administration/secretary, discussed the support his office can provide in conducting meetings and interpreting policy. "As we look at resolutions and how they are addressed in ALPA's Constitution and By-Laws, we have to make sure that the smallest carrier and the largest carrier are always treated equally throughout the entire process," he said. Conference attendees are hearing from a bevy of staff experts who are schooling them in topics like how funds are allocated from dues dollars, ALPA expense policy, and required reporting. The secretary-treasurers are also learning about the Association's plans for infrastructure modernization, available member insurance programs, and risk-management considerations associated with ALPA finances. The conference continues through Thursday.
ALPA Helps Aspiring Aviators' Dreams Take Flight No wind was needed in Chicago for aspiring aviators' dreams to take flight earlier this year. In coordination with the United MEC and United Airlines, ALPA's Education Committee organized a field trip for approximately 50 students from Purdue University and Parks College of Engineering, Aviation and Technology at Saint Louis University to gain operational knowledge and get an inside look at the piloting profession. Students listened to the airline's morning operations call, which was followed by a Q&A session; toured the Network Operations Center; and met with the Chief Pilot's Office, Flight Operations, Employee Relations, and Revenue Management departments. In addition, students toured O'Hare Flight Operations where they explored an A319, B-737, and B-777 parked in-between flights; went up in the ramp tower; and visited the Station Operations Center and the Flight Office/pilot lounge. This was a great learning experience for the students as well as a fun reminder of their ultimate career goals. Many thanks to the United MEC, United Airlines, and all who helped make this tour a success.
The ALPA Education Committee is dedicated to promoting ALPA and the profession to those interested in careers in aviation and ensuring that the future generation of pilots is prepared to join the ranks of our members. In addition to its ACE Clubs, which are student-led professional development groups at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, Ariz., and Daytona Beach, Fla., and the University of North Dakota, ALPA has university mentoring programs at Parks College, Purdue University, Southern Illinois University, and Western Michigan University. To learn more or to volunteer, log on to the ALPA Education Committee webpage or send an e-mail to Education@alpa.org.
Riders for Striders Is on a Roll Air Line Pilot's April 2014 "Our Stories" column told the story of an Indianapolis-area group motorcycle ride, led by Spirit Capt. Tyler Klassen, to raise money to purchase Strider bicycles for children at a local hospital. The fundraiser was so successful that Klassen is planning another ride this year. The 2015 Riders for Striders event will take place Saturday, May 16, and is neither a race nor a parade. Packs of eight riders will set off in timed intervals. They'll follow designated country roads, stopping for lunch in Bloomington, Ind., before returning to Indianapolis for a social hour at the conclusion of the ride. Last year's motorcyclists came from as far away as Ohio, and everyone had a great time. To learn more and to register, visit www.ridersforstriders.org.
Open and Fair Skies ALPA received a lot of press following last week's news conference at the National Press Club where ALPA reps joined American, United, and Delta airlines in calling for open and fair skies. Read more from these sources:
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