APA News Digest

May 2, 2025

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In This Edition ...

President and Vice President Elected to New Terms

APA President FO Nick Silva and APA Vice President CA Chris Torres

The following Election Round results were certified by Sequent on Wednesday:

President
CA Bill Evans: 293
FO Alex Gutierrez: 243
CA Jim Scanlan: 109
CA Edward Sicher: 599
FO Nick Silva: 2,646

Vice President
CA Chris Torres: 2,784
FO Scott Yancy: 1,073

Secretary-Treasurer
CA Clint Early: 725
FO Tim Hamel: 597
FO Philip Johnson: 1,349
CA Andrew O’Hara: 1,049

Congratulations to FO Silva and CA Torres, whose three-year terms as President and Vice President will begin on July 1.

The following candidates will be listed on the Runoff Round ballot:

Secretary-Treasurer
FO Philip Johnson
CA Andrew O’Hara

Runoff Round voting will open at 0000 Central on May 7 and close at 0001 Central on May 29.

Base-by-base breakdowns of the Election Round results can be found on the Elections page on AlliedPilots.org.

Aviation Safety Action Program Seeking Volunteers

The APA Safety Committee sent the following message to all members on Tuesday.

The APA Safety Committee is looking for several line pilots to serve with the Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP), one of the cornerstones of the AA Safety Management System. As the volume of ASAP reports increases, we need additional committee members to handle the growing workload.

Candidates need strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills, excellent writing ability, and solid deductive reasoning. Among the duties of our ASAP volunteers:

  • Conducting pilot debriefs of ASAP events to identify root causes and assist in developing mitigation strategies to help prevent a recurrence.
  • Participating with American Airlines Safety and the Federal Aviation Administration in biweekly meetings as an APA Event Review Committee member to research, process, and respond to ASAP reports.
  • Tracking and trending recurring events to mitigate identified risks.

APA is committed to working with the FAA and American Airlines Safety personnel to effect meaningful change and strengthen the airline’s safety culture. We encourage you to apply if you are interested in contributing to this effort. The application window will remain open until May 9. We will invite qualified applicants to interview while the application window is open and after it closes. 

Please go to the link below and complete the form:

ASAP APPLICATION FORM

Due to the volume of calls taken, please do not call the ASAP office.

Positive Rate Episode 51: Aviation Safety Action Program

In the latest episode of our “Positive Rate” podcast, Communications Committee Deputy Chair FO Melissa Monahan talks with CA Mike Madigan, Safety Committee Deputy Chair-Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP). ASAP relies on voluntary self-disclosure of inadvertent violations and safety concerns and is nonpunitive. CA Madigan details ASAP’s origins, the dramatic impact it has had on aviation safety, and the issues that pilots most frequently report.

Each episode of “Positive Rate” features APA subject-matter experts working on the membership’s behalf. The podcast is available through popular streaming services, including Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, and Spotify. You can search for “Positive Rate” or “Allied Pilots Association” on your platform of choice to subscribe and download. Your first opportunity to listen will be via AlliedPilots.org/Podcasts.

Pilot Mental Fitness

This is a new message from the APA Aeromedical Committee.

Because May is Mental Health Awareness Month, we would like to highlight the vast number of related resources available to you.

Your APA Aeromedical Committee and Aeromedical Department are on your side when it comes to pilot support. With six specialized subcommittees, and a team of professional Medical Advisors who are only a call or email away, our goal is to provide you with the highest level of care in the industry.

The APA Aeromedical Committee recognizes the high levels of human performance that are needed to successfully maintain an FAA Medical Certificate. The FAA uses the term “Pilot Mental Fitness” and looks at medical certification from a human performance perspective. The FAA Federal Air Surgeon has launched an initiative regarding The Three “E” Approach — Educate, Early Intervention, and the Evolution of Standards.

To gain a deeper insight into how the FAA views Pilot Mental Fitness, you may want to listen to a 2022 episode of the FAA’ “The Air Up There” podcast. To learn more about APA’s various peer support programs, check out these recent episodes of APA’s “Positive Rate” podcast:

  • Episode 50: Critical Incident Response Program
  • Episode 49: Project Wingman
  • Episode 46: Disabled Pilots Awareness Subcommittee
  • Episode 40: Human Intervention Motivational Study

Could Alliance Be Followed by United-JetBlue Merger?

This is a new message from the APA Investor Relations Committee.

This week, American Vice Chair and Chief Strategy Officer Steve Johnson announced the collapse of management’s attempt to reconstitute the Northeast Alliance with JetBlue.

Below are excerpts from Mr. Johnson’s letter to employees:

  • “Although we proposed a very attractive proposition to JetBlue and its customers and team, it became clear over time that JetBlue was focused on different business priorities.”
  • “Ultimately, we were unable to agree on a construct that preserved the benefits of the partnership we envisioned, made sense operationally or financially, or was consistent with the travel rewards and co-branded card business objectives that are so important to our strategy and our customers.”
  • “We are proud to connect customers to more than 1,000 destinations around the globe, with an outstanding group of partners who share our belief that alliances are meant to provide customers with the experience they deserve and benefits they prefer. We will continue to build American’s network organically and through growth and investment in these partnerships.”

TD Cowen airlines analyst Tom Fitzgerald provided perspective on the situation:

  • “Yesterday's news about negotiations between UAL and JBLU was followed by another unsubstantiated report today with more detail about the contours of a potential agreement. Focus would be on allowing UAL to return to JFK and growing its presence in Florida.”
  • “Partnership could progress in 3 phases: a basic alliance around reciprocity, a strategic partnership, and then a merger.”
  • “The news report today noted that JFK is part of the potential arrangement with United possibly taking over 20 slots and 2 gates from JetBlue. The article states that a potential tie up between the two firms could be structured in 3 phases: 1) basic commercial alliance, 2) strategic partnership; 3) acquisition.”
  • “We think an acquisition would have to be announced by 4Q27 at the latest to allow enough time for approval before the current administration is gone.”
  • “If United pulls this off, we would view it as a major competitive coup. It would make them by far the dominant carrier in NYC (crucial for winning outsized credit card and premium share), give them a small hub in Boston, and close one of the few gaps in their network (Florida and the Caribbean).”

Mr. Fitzgerald also provided these tables within his note to investors:

Analysts’ Comments on American’s Results

This is a new message from the APA Investor Relations Committee.

After American Airlines management reported first quarter results (a pre-tax, excluding special items, loss of $530 million), airline analysts provided commentary to investors. Here are a few excerpts:

Jamie Baker, JP Morgan:

  • We continue to be impressed with American’s ongoing progress to recapture its historical share of indirect revenue by year-end (slide 8 in their deck). But what’s challenging for us is reconciling this improvement against relative margin performance that appears to be largely standing still. To wit, American is guiding (2Q) to roughly a 600 basis point deficit in 2Q pretax margins relative to DAL/UAL. That’s not much different than in 1Q, (700 basis points deficit) and in 4Q24 the deficit didn’t exceed 500 basis points. 2024 was also in the 500-600 point deficit range. 
  • When we queried management on this topic, they were (understandably) quick to call out weakness in government-related demand, as well as the demand pressures unique to lower-end, domestic demand. The problem is those sound like industry observations to us, as opposed to anything idiosyncratic to American.
  • We need to explore this a bit more, though we suspect the answer stems from a combination of 1) labor cost timing, 2) American’s smaller share of international exposure, and 3) United’s ongoing success in capturing share at American’s expense particularly in Chicago. Unfortunately, while #1 will likely be sorted out over time, #2 and #3 may prove meaningfully more challenging to rectify.
  • American remains the high beta, most leveraged (in absolute terms of debt outstanding) play in the space.

Tom Fitzgerald, TD Cowen:

  • It’s a frustrating environment for the industry, but we came away positive with the progress American is making on what it can control.

Savi Syth, Raymond James:

  • While American is not immune to domestic Main cabin weakness relative sequential revenue and cost trends are encouraging. Moreover, labor cost visibility, relatively modest capex/capacity plans, fleet flexibility, and >$10B in unencumbered assets should help it navigate through uncertain times. 
  • However, American remains highly levered and the lower margin drives greater earnings volatility, keeping us from a more constructive rating.

Sheila Kahyaoglu, Jefferies: 

  • AAL Not Quite Back in the Big 3 as of Quarter 2. Q1 results read like a Big 3 airline: 1) Q1 TRASM +0.7% vs DAL -1.0% and UAL +0.5%; 2) 2pt sequential indirect recapture; 3) Premium RASM +3%, outpacing Main by 4pts/8pts Domestic/Intl; 4) Loyalty +5% w/ co-brand spend +8% and enrollments +6%; 5) Managed biz +8%. However, Q2 does not read like a Big 3 airline … This translates to an adj op margin of 6.5-8.0% translates to an 11-14%, or (est. 6.9%) vs. 5.25pt margin deficit vs Q2:24 deficit of 5.0pts.
  • AAL’s strategy concentrates on its short-haul network, comprising 75% of ASMs, with focus on the medium & small sized markets that can be uniquely served by its regional fleet.
  • These advantaged markets offer connectivity to AAL’s domestic Sun Belt hubs and enable the international network. This is a stark bifurcation from network peer strategies focused on large, coastal hubs.

APA Board of Directors’ Spring Meeting Set for May 5-9

The APA Board of Directors will convene at union headquarters in Fort Worth on Monday, May 5, for its regularly scheduled spring meeting. As reflected in the agenda, the meeting is scheduled to continue through Friday, May 9.

The meeting agenda will include a Membership and Guest Hour on the first day immediately following the APA President’s report. Policy stipulates that “Any APA member(s) in good standing or, with the consent of the Board, a guest of a member shall be allowed to address the board. Allocation of time will be 60 minutes divided by the number of members/guests desiring to speak; however, no individual will be afforded more than 10 minutes, including any questions/ answers by the Board. Members and guests must advise the meeting Chair of their desire to address the Board.” Please email asmith@alliedpilots.org if you wish to address the Board.

The following resolutions have been submitted for consideration at this meeting:

  • R2025-05, “APA-ALPA Merger Negotiation Committee”
  • R2025-06, “Member Investigations”
  • R2025-08 Rev 2, “IFALPA budgeting”
  • R2025-09, “Prime Directive”
  • R2025-10, “PU for Recruitment Events”
  • R2025-11, “Advanced Aircraft and Flight Systems (AAFS) Subcommittee”
  • R2025-12, “Deferred Dues Collection”
  • R2025-13, “BOD Meeting Updates”
  • R2025-14, “NO-BOD Polling Review”
  • R2025-15, “Officer Election Timelines”
  • R2025-16, “Adjustment to Financial Reserves”
  • R2025-17, “Social Media Addition to the Code of Ethics”
  • R2025-18, “Jumpseat Reservation System”
  • R2025-19, “National Committee Chairs and Deputy Chairs”

The meeting will also include these agenda items as required by policy:

  • 2 Hours of Domicile Issues Discussion
  • Action Taken on Previous Motions and Tasking Orders
  • List of Grievances Above a Step 2
  • Negotiating Priorities
  • Budget Update
  • Budget Variance Reporting
  • Update on General Reserve Fund Balance, Maximum and Minimum
  • APA Emergency Relief and Scholarship Fund Report
  • Daily Expense Allowance Review/Approval
  • Committee Budgets
  • National Committee Recommendation List
  • Approval of Newly Appointed National Committee Members
  • Approval of Annual Strategic Plan
  • Michael Michaelis Safety Award for Excellence (committee recommendations and vote)
  • Annual Contract Compliance Training

APA’s Critical Incident Response Program: Here for You 24/7

In this new video, FO Ken Hagan, Aeromedical Committee Deputy Chair-CIRP, describes how CIRP helps lessen the psychological impact of on-the-job accidents and incidents on crewmembers and their families. CIRP’s goal is to accelerate normal recovery before harmful stress reactions damage job performance, careers, families, and health.

APA Medical Minute – DUI

In the latest APA Medical Minute, APA attorney Ray Duke – who serves as Director of Safety-Training-Security-Aeromedical-Professional Standards – provides guidance on how to respond if you face an allegation of driving under the influence.

You can watch previous Medical Minute videos on APA’s YouTube channel.

APA Contract Minute – Deadhead Pay

In this encore edition of the APA Contract Minute, CA Jason Saxer discusses Section 19.D, which governs pay for pilots deadheading on AA mainline flights as well as AA regional flights.

New Hotels

This is a new message from the APA Hotel Committee.

We have five newly contracted long hotels for the month of May. Additionally, AA recently signed with a new ABQ long property, and layovers will begin there in August. We are building new Hotel Webpages for these locations that should be live soon. 

  • ABQ – The Clyde Hotel (contract begins in August)
  • ATH – Hilton Garden Inn
  • CLE – Hotel Cleveland (Autograph Collection)
  • EDI – Sheraton Grand Hotel and Spa
  • FRA – Brunfels Hotel (The Hyatt Unbound Collection)
  • MXP – Duo Milan Porta Nuova (Tribute Portfolio Hotel)

APA Welcomes Leadership Class

This is a new message from the APA Membership Committee.

a group of pilots in a lobby

Click the image for a closer look.

On April 30, the APA Membership Committee hosted a casual dinner for the following pilots who were in Fort Worth for American Airlines’ Professionalism, Leadership, and Mentoring class: Cristina Acosta, Daniel Bergen, Robert Bey, Bruce Brysacz, Jason Dodson, Nathaniel Ernst, Steven Goeken, Franklyn Gross, Timothy Kautz, Christopher Keiner, Mohammad Majid, Matthew Navarro, Davin Parisette, Scott Pochowicz, Matthew Ransom, Richard Ross, Francisco Salas Anzola, Matthew Stanley, Laura Strand, and Matthew Tompkins.

Domicile Election

The following Runoff Round results were certified by Sequent on Wednesday:

LAX Chair
CA William Brynjolfsson: 288
CA Bill Evans: 261

LAX Vice Chair
CA Timothy Dick: 310
FO Cort Keithley: 242

Congratulations to CA Brynjolfsson and CA Dick, who began their three-year terms on Thursday.

Domicile Events

Visit AlliedPilots.org/Calendar to RSVP for any of these upcoming domicile events:

  • BOS: Boston Red Sox game on July 10
  • DCA: Domicile Meeting on May 22
  • DFW: Pilots for Kids Golf Tournament on May 19
  • LAX: Retirement Dinner on June 7
  • MIA: Air Dot Show on May 3; Domicile Meeting on May 15
  • ORD: Domicile Meeting on May 14; Galt Fly-In and Pancake Breakfast on May 24
  • PHL: Philadelphia Phillies game on July 23

Week in Review

Here are some recent messages you may have missed:

Are You Willing to Serve?

Each of these national committees or subcommittees has the indicated number of vacancies:

  • Aeromedical Committee (0)
    • Critical Incident Response Program Subcommittee (2)
    • Disabled Pilot Awareness Subcommittee (3)
    • Human Intervention Motivational Study Subcommittee (1)
    • Pilot Occupational Health Subcommittee (2)
  • Captain’s Authority Committee (2)
  • Communications Committee (0)
    • National Communications Network (2)
  • Grey Eagles Liaison Committee (1)
  • Retirement and Benefits Committee (1)*
  • Training Committee (0)
    • Checkmate (1 on 777)

* Seeking volunteer with financial services experience and possible AIF®, CFP®, or related designations.

If you would like to serve on one or more of these committees, visit the Member Engagement Portal.

Professional Standards FAQs

What types of issues will Professional Standards accept?
Almost any issue that would benefit from the peer-to-peer method of resolution is acceptable, such as individual conflicts, ineffective operating methods/techniques, problems of a professional or ethical nature, conduct that could lead to discipline, and recognizing exceptional performance.

To read all of the FAQs, click here.

Professional Standards’ 24/7 hotline: 817-402-2181

If You’re 50, Join The Grey Eagles

Are you a pilot for American Airlines, at least age 50, active or retired? Please join The Grey Eagles for food, fun, and fellowship. We offer cruises, conventions, monthly luncheons, retirement dinners, professional mentoring, and assistance to surviving spouses – all for a one-time lifetime fee. Our next cruise, a nine-night excursion across the southern Caribbean, launches Oct. 9.

Pilot Job Fairs and Future Pilot Seminars

The Future & Active Pilot Alliance’s next Pilot Job Fairs are scheduled for May 16 at ORD followed by June 13 at CLT. The next Future Pilot Seminar is scheduled for May 17 at ORD. Click here for more information.

Industry News

For more about what’s happening in the industry, be sure to visit the Industry News page on AlliedPilots.org.

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