pilots
AIRLINE NEWS
Pilots at American Airlines are calling in sick and working to the rule, causing flight delays and cancellations. The pilots are dissatisfied with management over new contract negotiations. Some industry watchers are advising caution in selecting AA in the near future. (USAToday.com, Sept. 24)
United has announced it will begin new daily nonstop service between Cleveland and Nashville on Dec. 19, 2012 and Cleveland and Oklahoma City on Feb. 14, 2013. ExpressJet will operate the flights on 50-seat regional jets. (TravelMole.com, Sept.22)
AIRLINE INDUSTRY NEWS
Several carriers are issuing iPads to pilots replacing reams of paper manuals in cockpits. Alaska, American and United Airlines are all switching to electronic access for the flight resources every pilot is required to have onboard. (TNooz.com, Sept. 11)
Most injuries sustained aboard planes in flight occur when unexpected turbulence strikes and can be prevented simply by buckling in when seated. Studies indicate that the skies have become much safer due to pilots using the seatbelt warning indicators and passengers heeding the alerts. (USAToday.com, Sept.10)
British Airways could not find a buyer for bmibaby, a low-cost, short-haul carrier and shut down operation on Sept. 10. Passengers were offered refunds or rebooking on other carries earlier this year in advance of the anticipated closure. (TravelMole.com, Sept. 11)
UNITED AND UNIONS AGREE ON LABOR DEAL
United Airlines has agreed to a new labor contract with its own pilots and those from the former Continental Airlines, in an important step toward creating a single workforce at the company, which was formed by a 2010 merger. Just two weeks ago, pilots voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike against United, the world’s biggest airline, although federal law makes it difficult for airline workers to strike legally. (Yahoo.com, Aug. 3)
AIR TRAVEL NEWS
Pilots at United Airlines have voted to authorize a strike, showing their growing frustration after failing to come to an agreement with management after two years of talks. The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), which represents pilots who flew for what was then United and Continental Airlines before the two merged in 2010, said 99 percent of those who voted supported a withdrawal of services, if required. The vote does not make a strike certain as U.S. federal law makes it difficult for airline unions to strike and the White House can intervene to stop any walkout in the interest of keeping commerce going. (Airwise.com, July 17)
AIRLINE NEWS
American Airlines passengers could experience delays in July due to a pilot shortage. The carrier will trim capacity by 1.5 percent to account for pilots retiring and their increased use of sick leave. (TravelMole.com, June 14)
In efforts to gain more control over security screening, the U.S. government with the cooperation of foreign countries is placing officers in 14 airports around the world. These officers will advise and assist local authorities with security procedures. (NYTimes.com, June 13)
