Release #: 20.15
June 04, 2020

ALPA Statement on Recent Events and Strengthening Diversity in the Airline Piloting Profession


In response to recent events and demonstrations, Capt. Joe DePete, president of the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA), made the following statement regarding diversity and inclusion in the airline piloting profession.

 “The Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l, believes that economic, social, gender, and racial equality must form the foundation of everything we do. As the world’s largest pilot union, we regard these principles as part of the fabric of the labor movement and essential to the dignity of work for those in our industry. Recent events have laid bare the cold, hard, reality that we have much work to do to stamp out inequality, injustice, and institutional racism in our society.

“While the airline pilot profession today is not yet fully representative of the diverse population we proudly serve, ALPA is committed to change, and we are working to create a just and inclusive airline pilot culture. We must make certain that all individuals—regardless of race, gender, religion, or sexual orientation—find the piloting profession inspiring and accessible. I established the President’s Committee for Diversity and Inclusion, led by F/O Camila Turrieta (JetBlue), to advance this work. Our committee strives to demonstrate inclusivity and educate underrepresented communities about the career opportunities our profession offers. There is simply no place in our profession—or in our world—for discrimination of any kind.

“Every day and night, ALPA pilots safely transport passengers and cargo as an essential part of a global industry that supports the public-health crisis response, businesses of every size, communities large and small, and jobs for hundreds of thousands of workers around the world. Our union is collaborating with others across our industry to foster a safe and inclusive workplace environment that not only attracts individuals from diverse backgrounds, but also helps them flourish in their careers as airline pilots.”

Founded in 1931, ALPA is the largest airline pilot union in the world and represents over 63,000 pilots at 35 U.S. and Canadian airlines. Visit the ALPA website at alpa.org or follow us on Twitter @WeAreALPA.

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