Pilot's Executive Council, Flight Attendants Welcome Changes At The Airline

Airlines for America (A4A) has named Doug Parker, chairman and CEO of American Airlines, as the chairman of the A4A board of directors, effective immediately. The change comes as the association's previous chairman, Jeff Smisek, stepped down from his position as president and CEO at United.

“Doug has been a tireless advocate for the airline industry, its customers and its employees, and we look forward to working with him in his new role,” said A4A President and CEO Nicholas E. Calio (pictured).

Calio thanked former United Continental Holdings Chairman, President and CEO Jeffery Smisek for his service to the airline industry and the A4A board of directors both as a director, and most recently as chairman of the board, and welcomed incoming United CEO and President Oscar Munoz, who will join the A4A board.

“We thank Jeff for his years of service to the industry and its trade association and appreciate his insight and leadership as chairman of the A4A board,” Calio said. “We look forward to having Oscar Munoz join our board. He has considerable transportation experience and will be a great addition."

The sudden change in top management at United was welcomed by two of the airline's unions.

"(The) announcement of the election of Oscar Munoz as Chief Executive Officer of United Continental Holdings, Inc. represents a new beginning and fresh course for United Airlines, its employees and passengers," said Captain Jay Heppner, Chairman, United Master Executive Council, Air Line Pilots Association.

"Our pilots welcome the opportunity to work with Mr. Munoz and his team to build, from a new perspective, a culture at United Airlines where management and employees work together for the betterment of our airline."

"Flight attendants are dedicated to the long-term success of United Airlines. We welcome new leadership and a new direction that recognizes the value of frontline workers and the full potential of our airline," said AFA International President Sara Nelson. "Oscar Munoz has an impressive business record, including at other highly unionized companies. AFA looks forward to working with him to conclude contract negotiations and return our airline to premier status in the world."

United Airlines, Continental Airlines and Continental Micronesia merged five years ago on paper, but the airline is still maintaining separate flight attendant operations and has yet to conclude a flight attendant merged agreement. AFA recently filed for federal mediation in order to bring the negotiations to a conclusion.

"We believe a fresh perspective will be healthy for United Airlines in all areas, especially where labor relations languished under previous leadership. New leadership has the potential to improve the flying experience for our passengers and insure Flight Attendants and other frontline workers are recognized, engaged and included in the success of our airline," said Nelson. "We look forward to discussing a bright future with our new CEO."

(Image from file)

FMI: www.airlines.org, https://ual.alpa.org, www.afacwa.org