ALPA Pilot Elected President of IFALPA

During the 79th International Federation of Air Line Pilots’ Associations (IFALPA) Conference in April, Capt. Ron Hay (Delta) was elected president, underscoring ALPA’s leadership commitment to the international pilot labor movement. Along with Hay, other ALPA members also hold leadership positions throughout the federation.

“I’m honored to serve as the new president and proud to work with the elected team that will be leading IFALPA forward,” Hay stated. “Our conference theme, ‘Pilot Leadership: Engage, Activate, and Advocate,’ wasn’t just a slogan. Now is the time to ‘Activate’—put knowledge into motion and share what you’ve gained with your colleagues at home. Strengthening international relationships enhances our collective ability to advocate nationally. We’ll move forward together, purposefully, and with strength.”

Also elected during the conference to join the returning group of executive vice presidents (EVPs) were Capt. Akseli Meskanen (Finnair), deputy president, and Capt. Omar Gabriel Garcia Vázquez (Aeroméxico), EVP Administration, Membership & Finance. ALPA Senior Attorney Jay Wells was reelected as an independent director, continuing ALPA’s long-standing contribution to the legal governance of the federation.

“Capt. Hay’s leadership comes at a pivotal time as our industry is facing complex decisions about technological integration and staffing models that directly impact aviation safety, and we’re grateful to have such a strong advocate in this important role,” said Capt. Jason Ambrosi, ALPA’s president. “With 40 years of experience across four airlines and a distinguished record of leadership within ALPA, we’re confident that Capt. Hay will be an effective leader. His deep understanding of the challenges facing the piloting profession today, including the growing concern of reduced-crew operations, will benefit pilots around the globe.”

In addition to electing new leadership, IFALPA also reaffirmed its commitment to opposing reduced-crew operations and called on decision-makers, governments, regulators, airline managements, and pilot associations to unite in safeguarding the highest standards of safety possible.

The international partnership among ALPA, the European Cockpit Association, and IFALPA has been fundamental to slowing the tide of single-pilot and reduced-crew operations.

Decisions about international aviation policy affect pilots first and foremost. As an organization with observer status at the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), and permanent observer status at ICAO’s Air Navigation Commission, IFALPA is the global representative of airline pilots to the international aviation community for safety, security, and economic issues.

“We look forward to continuing our strong collaboration with Capt. Hay as he takes on his new responsibilities at IFALPA. Together, we’ll work to define strategies and create solutions that serve the best interests of pilots worldwide,” Ambrosi remarked.

This article was originally published in the May 2025 issue of Air Line Pilot.