FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Captain Dennis Tajer, 847-902-8481; Gregg Overman, 817-302-2250/817-312-3901
ALLIED PILOTS ASSOCIATION: “JUSTICE MUST BE SERVED” FOR 9/11 VICTIMS’ FAMILIES
FORT WORTH, Texas (September 28, 2016) — The Allied Pilots Association, certified collective bargaining agent for the 15,000 pilots of American Airlines, voiced its strong support for the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act.
The bill grants the families of those killed in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks the ability to sue the government of Saudi Arabia in U.S. court for alleged involvement in the attacks that killed nearly 3,000 people. Following congressional approval of the bill and its veto by President Obama, the Senate and House voted this week to override the veto.
“APA supports giving the families of those killed in the 9/11 attacks their day in court. The Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act will enable U.S. courts to waive any claim of foreign sovereign immunity when an act of terrorism occurs inside U.S. borders,” said APA President Captain Dan Carey. “Four of our fellow American Airlines pilots lost their lives that day, along with many other innocent men and women. Justice must be served for them and their loved ones.
“On behalf of the American Airlines pilots and their families who paid a terrible price on September 11, 2001, we want to thank all of the lawmakers who voted to approve the bill and to override President Obama’s veto,” Carey said. “We are gratified that this important legislation has now become law.”
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 www.alliedpilots.org. American Airlines is the world’s largest passenger airline.