Washington, DC – The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), a major global transport authority, has committed to opposing reduced crew operations in commercial airline transport. In response to a resolution introduced by the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA), ITF members worldwide agreed to unite against any current and future efforts to lower the minimum crew complement in airline flight decks, citing critical safety concerns.

• ITF’s resolution opposes any initiatives to decrease crew requirements, which include proposals for single-pilot or fully autonomous airline operations.
• The ITF resolution aligns with findings from a recent global survey, indicating that 76% of the public opposes flying on a pilotless or single-pilot aircraft.
• Safety regulators, notably the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), have been exploring reduced-crew operations in collaboration with Airbus, focusing on developing criteria for single-pilot operations and extended minimum crew schemes.
• ALPA and other pilot unions argue that a two-pilot cockpit is essential for maintaining safety and reliability in commercial aviation, particularly in handling in-flight emergencies.

Statement:

• “Some aircraft manufacturers are designing airliners to be flown with only one pilot on the flight deck during the cruise portion of the flight, and eventually with zero pilots,” said Capt. Jason Ambrosi, ALPA president. “This profit-over-safety scheme is actually being supported by some aviation safety regulators and airlines, contrary to the highest standard of aviation safety.”
• “Airline pilots know—as does the global community—that having at least two fully qualified, highly trained, and well-rested pilots on the flight deck is an airliner’s most important safety asset,” Ambrosi added.

About the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF)
The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), headquartered in London, UK, represents 18 million transport workers across multiple sectors globally. ITF advocates for fair labor standards and safe working conditions for its members and promotes high safety standards in global transport.

About the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA)
Founded in 1931, the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA) is the largest airline pilot union globally, representing over 67,000 pilots at 39 U.S. and Canadian airlines. ALPA advocates for airline safety, security, and fair working conditions.

Source: ITF and ALPA