Release #: 21.34
June 15, 2021

ALPA Commends Administration’s Intent to Nominate Sullenberger as Ambassador to ICAO


McLEAN, Va.—Capt. Joe DePete, president of the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA), issued the following statement today after the announcement of President Biden’s intent to nominate Capt. Sully Sullenberger as ambassador to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

“ALPA applauds the administration’s intent to nominate Capt. Sullenberger as the U.S. ambassador to the ICAO. Sully will bring to this important post a deep understanding of the global airline industry, garnered through his military and airline piloting experience, as well as his extensive aviation safety work as an ALPA volunteer.

“As the agency responsible for international aviation standards, the U.S. ambassador to ICAO is an important post and ALPA remains ready to continue to contribute to ICAO’s indispensable work.

“We hold complete confidence that Capt. Sullenberger will provide the outstanding leadership necessary to promote the very highest standards in air transportation here in the United States and around the globe. We urge the U.S. Senate to swiftly hold a hearing and confirm Capt. Sullenberger as ambassador to ICAO.”

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