Kalitta Air Pilots Receive $2 Million Grant for Contract Negotiations

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Following a unanimous vote by the Executive Board of the Air Line Pilots Association, Int'l (ALPA), the Kalitta Air pilot group has received a $2 million grant from the union's Major Contingency Fund (MCF). The funds will support approximately 950 Kalitta Air pilots as they enter the final and most critical phase of negotiations for their second collective bargaining agreement with Kalitta Air management.

"From day one, we have been working closely with ALPA National to secure the support and resources that our Negotiating Committee needs to finish this contract," said Capt. Jeremy Keyes, chair of the Kalitta Air ALPA Master Executive Council. "The unanimous approval of this grant demonstrates that the weight of the world's largest pilot union unequivocally supports our efforts toward a collective bargaining agreement that improves compensation, working conditions, and benefits for every Kalitta Air crewmember. We have momentum, we have support, and together, we will get Contract 2026 across the finish line.”

The MCF grant carries no interest and is not a loan. Its primary purpose is to support pilots during collective bargaining. The Kalitta Air pilot group opened Section 6 negotiations in September 2023, 18 months ahead of the contract's amendable date. The Negotiating Committee has reached tentative agreements on 21 of 28 contract sections, with critical economic sections still under negotiation.

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, Facebook @KalittaAirALPAMEC, or Instagram @KalittaPilots.

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