Like Every Airline Org Right Now... They Look To Washington For Bucks

The Allied Pilots Association (APA), representing the 15,000 pilots of American Airlines, is urging the White House and Congress to negotiate a new stimulus package that would maintain the vital airline industry and its associated jobs.

American Airlines management announced today that 17,167 employees – including 1,605 pilots represented by APA – will be furloughed starting Oct. 1. That is the earliest date any furloughs are allowed under the terms of the CARES Act’s Payroll Support Program (PSP). In their letter announcing the furloughs, American Airlines CEO Doug Parker and President Robert Isom said multiple times that the furloughs could be prevented if the PSP is extended.

“Time is running out for an extension of the Payroll Support Program,” APA President Capt. Eric Ferguson said. “APA is part of a broad labor coalition seeking this critically needed holding fuel for our profession, company, industry, and economy.”

Airlines for America estimates that every U.S. airline job generates more than 13 jobs outside the industry. So the 17,167 furloughs announced today equate to more than 228,000 lost jobs -- and that doesn’t take into account furloughs at other airlines.

“COVID-19 has had a devastating impact on the airline industry,” Capt. Ferguson said. “We implore the White House and Congress to find a way to protect hundreds of thousands of Americans’ livelihoods and, in turn, secure a critical piece of our nation’s infrastructure.”

APA represents the 15,000 pilots of American Airlines, including several hundred pilots on full-time military leave of absence serving in the armed forces.

FMI: www.alliedpilots.org