Return to Profitability Emphasizes Need for Contract Extension Now
JetBlue Airways pilots, represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA), responded to the Company’s third-quarter financial reports that showed a return to profitability after multiple quarters of losses by calling for a contract extension.
“As our Company reaps the benefits of high demand in the travel sector, it’s imperative that management invests these profits in the professional pilots who contributed to the Company’s success,” commented Capt. Chris Kenney, chair of the JetBlue unit of ALPA. “For the past two years, JetBlue pilots have kept this airline flying. It’s time for those efforts to be recognized—and rewarded—by a contract extension.”
Last week, Spirit Airlines shareholders approved JetBlue’s purchase of Spirit and eventual merger of the two entities. The merger will now face regulatory scrutiny by the U.S. Department of Justice before the transaction can be completed and the airlines and the pilot groups can operate as one company.
“It is simply not feasible for this pilot group to wait potentially years for a joint contract to receive the contract improvements they have earned during one of the most turbulent times in our industry’s history,” continued Kenney. “After announcing that the Company is ‘on track’ for its highest yearly revenue yet, it’s obvious that management should provide a contract extension with economic benefits—now.”
Founded in 1931, ALPA is the largest airline pilot union in the world and represents more than 65,000 pilots at 40 U.S. and Canadian airlines, including the more than 4,600 pilots at JetBlue. Visit ALPA.org or follow us on Twitter @ALPAPilots.
