ALPA Statement on Pilot Training and Qualification Standards

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Capt. Jason Ambrosi, president of the Air Line Pilots Association, Int'l (ALPA), issued the following statement today after the Department of Transportation issued a new mandatory “Operations Specification” requiring all commercial airlines to formally commit to merit-based hiring for pilots:

“All ALPA pilots are trained and evaluated to the same uncompromising standard regardless of race, gender, or background. A pilot's identity has no bearing on their ability to safely operate an aircraft. What matters is training, experience, and qualification — and on that front, there are no shortcuts and no compromises.

“At ALPA, our work to advance aviation safety never stops, and as always, ALPA airline pilots remain ready to safely transport passengers and cargo to their destinations. Safety is, and always will be, our number one priority.”

Founded in 1931, ALPA is the largest airline pilot union in the world and represents more than 80,000 pilots at 42 U.S. and Canadian airlines. Visit ALPA.org or follow us on X @ALPAPilots.

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