While 5G Deadline Looms, Congress Threatens to Introduce Even More Risk to U.S. Aviation Ahead of July 4 Holiday

WASHINGTON, D.C.—As the U.S. airline industry prepares for a busy Fourth of July travel weekend and potential issues with 5G implementation on June 30, Congress is poised to pass legislation that could weaken aviation safety, increase flight delays and cancellations, and undermine the rights of American workers.

Capt. Jason Ambrosi, president of the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA), issued the following statement:

“While all eyes on are this weekend’s holiday travel and efforts to mitigate 5G interference with aircraft safety systems, we cannot lose sight of the fact that Congress is poised to pass legislation that contains multiple anti-safety provisions that would introduce even more risk into the U.S. aviation system. Recent flight delays and cancellations are a reminder that the industry is still recovering from the pandemic, and we must remain vigilant in maintaining safety.

“Flying is the safest mode of transportation in the world, thanks largely to the highly trained, skilled and experienced pilots who are at the controls of every airline flight, as well as landmark safety legislation enacted more than a decade ago that raised the bar on airline pilot safety training. Despite a 99.8 percent reduction in fatalities, some special interests are trying to change the law to lower the bar on pilot training, which would introduce even more risk—and potential disruptions. Now is not the time to lower safety standards or arbitrarily change the retirement age for highly skilled aviators.

“We are calling on all Americans who rely on safe and efficient air travel to join our Call to Action. Reach out to your elected officials and tell them to oppose the anti-safety, anti-worker provisions that are being considered in the pending Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization.”

Learn more and add your voice to the Call to Action.

-###-

CONTACT: ALPA Media, 703-481-4440 or Media@alpa.org