FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Capt. Dennis Tajer, 847-902-8481/Gregg Overman, 817-302-2250

Allied Pilots Association Urges Swift Action on Aviation WORKS Act

FORT WORTH, Texas (Sept. 22, 2022) – The Allied Pilots Association (APA), representing the 15,000 pilots of American Airlines, expressed its strong support for the “Aviation Workforce, Opportunity, Recruiting, Knowledge and Supply Act.”

“We commend U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen for his leadership in supporting critical infrastructure with this bill,” said APA President Capt. Edward Sicher. “Commercial aviation serves as a vital linchpin for our nation’s economy, and the Aviation WORKS Act will strengthen our aviation infrastructure and bolster professional opportunities for the next generation of front-line workers.”

The legislation would reauthorize the aircraft pilots and aviation maintenance technical workers programs and authorize funding at $20 million per year for five years. Additionally, it would create an aviation manufacturing program that mirrors the other programs, and add language applying prevailing wage and veterans’ preference to the manufacturing program.

“APA strongly supports this legislation, and we urge lawmakers to take swift action on it,” Capt. Sicher said. “By investing in the next generation of pilots, maintenance technicians, and manufacturing workers, the Aviation WORKS Act will help ensure continued U.S. leadership in commercial aviation.”

Founded in 1963, the Allied Pilots Association — the largest independent pilots union in the United States — is headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas. APA represents the 15,000 pilots of American Airlines, including several hundred pilots on full-time military leave of absence serving in the armed forces. The union’s website is AlliedPilots.org.