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CONTACT: Capt. Dennis Tajer, 847-902-8481

Allied Pilots Association Urges Approval of Healthy Flights Act of 2020

FORT WORTH, Texas (July 31, 2020) – The Allied Pilots Association (APA), representing the 15,000 pilots of American Airlines, expressed its strong support for the Healthy Flights Act of 2020.

U.S. Representative Peter DeFazio (OR-04), who chairs the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, introduced the bill on Thursday.

“APA has been outspoken in advocating for uniform federal standards to protect airline workers and passengers in public health emergencies like the current COVID-19 pandemic, and we are grateful that Representative DeFazio has introduced this timely and important legislation,” said APA President Capt. Eric Ferguson. “One set of standards must apply to all airlines, airports, and other related operations. Protecting the health and safety of airline workers and passengers requires cooperation, not competition.

“The airline industry represents a vital component of our national economy,” he said. “In order for our industry to stabilize, recover, and support an overall economic recovery, travelers must be assured that it is safe to fly. For that to occur, policymakers must act now to ensure uniform health and safety standards.

“We applaud Representative DeFazio for his strong leadership and urge Congress to approve the Healthy Flights Act of 2020 promptly.”

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.