Says Shortfall in Pilots, Training, and Planning Collided to Create Cancellations

Last week, Alaska Airlines apologized to customers for a higher than normal number of flight cancellations throughout their network. 

The carrier outlined the situation as it stands, saying that in all, 10,000 airmen left the airline industry during the pandemic, seemingly for good. The airline said that training issues and scheduling resulted in a shortfall of 63 pilots for the month of April, forcing their hand and prioritizing flights where they seemed most vital. The airline blamed a few factors, saying that 

"Unfortunately, during the first few months of 2022, a backlog built up in our training program. Trainings were canceled and delayed due to student or trainer illness during the Omicron surge and due to the operational impact of winter storms, and they were not rescheduled fast enough." 

Going forward, the airline has outlined a few measures it hopes will tamp down future disruptions, from reducing its flights by 2% through the end of June, matching pilot capacity. Additionally, the airline has launched a new pilot academy specifically targeting minority pilot candidates that are traditionally underrepresented in its employee base. For those already in the hiring pipeline, Alaska has announced a dedicated team that will improve graduation rates within company training. They will ensure that the expanded capacity for the company's pilots will not go to waste, ensuring the throughput is used to the fullest extent possible. 

Alaska Airlines was clear that the informational picket performed on April 1st had no effect on operations. Alaska has heard pilots' demands, and says that the upcoming contract proposal is "the highest contractual investment we've ever proposed in our history and would make our first officers the highest paid in the industry." 

FMI: www.alaskaair.com