ALPA Urges U.S. Congress to Avoid Government Shutdown

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA) president Capt. Jason Ambrosi today issued the following statement on the looming U.S. government shutdown:

“The safe takeoff and landing of every commercial flight is an industry-wide team effort. Our pilots depend on our partners at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), especially the hardworking and dedicated air traffic controllers, to help safely shepherd us through the skies. Failing to fully fund the FAA puts the world’s safest aviation system at risk. ALPA has long supported stable, long-term funding for the FAA to insulate this key partner in safety from becoming a political bargaining chip. The slowdowns and loss of safety personnel that we experienced during previous shutdowns were unacceptable, and it is essential that hiring, training, and pay for these vital air safety professionals are not interrupted by any lapse in funding.”

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