Wed, Jul 29, 2020
Pilots At Risk Due To COVID Restrictions
Pilot leaders from the FedEx Express unit of the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA) recently passed a resolution calling on their company to suspend operations in Hong Kong due to unacceptable risks for pilots related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Capt. Dave Chase, FedEx ALPA Master Executive Council chairman, issued the following statement:
“Recently, three COVID-19 positive asymptomatic FedEx pilots have been forced into mandated hospital facilities for up to 10 days in Hong Kong. Additionally, several pilots who already tested negative for COVID-19, but who had been in close contact with a COVID-19 positive person were put into government camps under extremely difficult conditions. Not only do these situations pose unacceptable risks to our pilots’ safety and wellbeing, but they also create added stress and distraction for flight operations. While the COVID-19 global pandemic rages on, FedEx pilots continue to provide essential services, operating in extremely challenging and ever-changing environments and constantly adapting to new government mandates and restrictions around the globe.
“In Hong Kong, recent government mandates regarding COVID-19 testing have created unacceptable conditions for pilots, including our Hong Kong-based pilots and their families. Pilots who test positive for COVID-19 face compulsory admission and treatment in government-selected public hospitals, with as many as five patients to a room with one shared bathroom. In addition, any pilot or family member in Hong Kong found to have been exposed to a COVID-19 positive individual is placed in a government quarantine facility for up to 14 days with very sparse provisions.
“We are in contact with FedEx management as we advocate to protect the health, safety, and wellbeing of our crewmembers operating in Hong Kong. However, every day that passes with crews being exposed to these conditions is unacceptable.”
Founded in 1931, ALPA is the largest airline pilot union in the world and represents nearly 63,000 pilots at 35 U.S. and Canadian airlines, including more than 5,000 pilots at FedEx Express.
More News
Also: Horizon Picks P&W PT6A, Army Buys 3 EagleNXT, First Hybrid-Electric Regional, Army Selects AEVEX Anduril Industries’ YFQ-44A Collaborative Combat Aircraft was flown>[...]
While Flying North Along The Beach At About 300 Ft Above Ground Level, The Pilot Reported That The Engine RPM Dropped To About Idle On September 28, 2025, at 1126 eastern daylight >[...]
Aero Linx: European Association of Aviation Training and Educational Organisations (EATEO) Welcome to the “ European Association of Aviation Training and Education Organizati>[...]
On-Course Indication An indication on an instrument, which provides the pilot a visual means of determining that the aircraft is located on the centerline of a given navigational t>[...]
“It also gives us the hard data we need to shape requirements, reduce risk, and ensure the CCA program delivers combat capability on a pace and scale that keeps us ahead of t>[...]
Airborne-NextGen 11.04.25: Anduril YFQ-44A, Merlin SOI 2, UAV Rulemaking Stalled
See All