Capt. Joe DePete Takes Over As The Union’s 11Th President

The world’s largest pilots’ union, the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA), welcomed a new slate of national officers this week as Capt. Joe DePete takes over as the union’s 11th president. The new national officers were elected to four-year terms beginning January 1, 2019.

"It is an honor to lead this union of professionals that speaks with one, true voice and is committed to the highest standards of excellence. Today, we aren’t passenger or cargo pilots, mainline or regional, or U.S. or Canadian. Today, we are all ALPA pilots," said Capt. DePete. "I feel proud that ALPA pilots are respected around the world, not only by other pilot groups, but by other labor leaders as well. Whether it is in the United States, Canada, or anywhere in the world where our voice is needed, ALPA will speak for those seeking to bargain collectively and build on our reputation as the largest pilot union in the world."

A FedEx Express pilot for over 32 years, and previously ALPA’s first vice president and national safety coordinator, Capt. DePete has held several elected positions including executive vice president and chairman of the FedEx Express Master Executive Council since joining the union in 1986.

In addition to Capt. DePete, ALPA’s Board of Directors elected United Airlines Capt. Bob Fox as the union’s first vice president and United Capt. Joseph Genovese as vice president–finance/treasurer. Capt. Bill Couette was reelected to serve a fourth term as ALPA’s vice president–administration/secretary.

"As we begin 2019, I would like to thank the officers of the previous ALPA administration for their work. In the new year, the new ALPA will serve notice that the pilots must be heard. Today and every day ahead, we are all ALPA," added Capt. DePete.

(Source: ALPA news release)

FMI: www.alpa.org