Dear readers,
This month we finally announce the winners for our 2023 photo contest! Congratulations to Jon B. for capturing his gorgeous shot of a Twin Otter at sunset near the Grand Canyon. (See our cover!) Of course, hearty congratulations to all our runners-up and a huge thank you to all who participated! We know that the fabulous views we enjoy is among the many perks our jobs bring.
Over the last month we have seen a lot going on between the airlines and pilot unions coming to agreements on expired contracts. It seems to me that a strike vote is what turns the tables. WestJet pilots were set to strike at 3 a.m. EDT on May 19 and at 1:12 a.m. that very morning, ALPA sent us news that WestJet’s pilot leaders had approved an agreement in principle (AIP). Later that day, Allied Pilots Association (APA) and American Airlines reached a tentative agreement coming after a May 3 vote of 99% in favor of striking. On May 18, FedEx pilots authorized to strike with a 97% yes vote with 99% of its pilots voting. Late Tuesday evening, May 30, FedEx pilots reached a tentative agreement with their company. Southwest Airlines Pilots Association (SWAPA) started their strike vote on May 1 and closed the voting early because 98% of their participating pilots had locked in with a 99% vote to authorize a strike. As of May 31, there is no AIP for SWAPA. Stay tuned.
In our Grid section this month, we compare APA’s AIP with Delta’s 2023 contract that was approved by Delta pilots on March 1. We encourage you to use The Grid to create your own comparisons at https://aerocrewnews.com/acn-grid/.
Fly Safe,
Craig Pieper
