Official Designation Joining Two Into One Airline Is Major Milestone

Pilots who fly for Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines, represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA), issued a joint statement on reaching a major milestone in their merger integration after the FAA issued a Single Operating Certificate that officially designates the two carriers being recognized as one airline under federal regulation.

Capt. Larry Payne, Hawaiian Airlines Master Executive Council (MEC) chairman said, “The Single Operating Certificate represents real change, especially for our Hawaiian pilots, as this marks the end of our Hawaiian call sign and certificate. For all of us, it’s a moment to reflect on both of our rich histories and the legacy of every pilot who came before us. Change is inevitable, but by working together, we can create a better future for those who come after us.”

Capt. Will McQuillen, Alaska Airlines MEC chairman, added, "As we begin this next chapter operating under the one certificate, our focus remains on negotiating a Joint Collective Bargaining Agreement (JCBA) that reflects the values and priorities of both pilot groups. This is our opportunity to shape a future that honors our past and builds something stronger together."

What comes next? The next step for the pilot groups is to secure a JCBA, or Joint Collective Bargaining Agreement through negotiations underway with Alaska Airlines management. After that is completed, a tentative agreement will be submitted for approval by both MECs, followed by a ratification vote by the collective Alaska and Hawaiian pilots.

After that, the next step for the pilots will be integration of the two pilot seniority lists and upon completion of that integration, the Alaska and Hawaiian pilots will form a single MEC to be officially recognized by ALPA as one pilot group.

The ALPA was founded in 1931 and is the largest airline pilot union in the world representing more than 80,000 pilots flying for 43 airlines in Canada and the United States.

FMI:  www.alpa.org/ , alahal.alpa.org/