Market Intelligence: North America

Global Associations Rally Support Against Reduced Crew Standards in Commercial Aviation

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

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EAA Aviation Scholarships Launches 2025 Scholarship Applications to Support Aspiring Pilots and Aviation Professionals

USA – The application process is now open for the 2025 EAA Aviation Scholarships, which support aspiring aviators and aviation students with financial aid. Available to individuals over 16, these scholarships fund both flight training at any non-university flight school in the U.S. or Canada and post-secondary education in various aviation fields in the U.S. The application window will close on March 1, 2025.

  • Flight training scholarships cover costs at eligible flight schools, helping candidates progress toward their pilot certifications.
  • Post-secondary scholarships are available for programs in aerospace engineering, aviation business, air traffic control, aviation maintenance, professional flight, and other aviation-related STEM fields.
  • EAA’s scholarship program aims to reduce financial barriers for students, with funds provided by dedicated donors invested in fostering future aviation talent.

Statements:

  • “The costs of training and education can be one of the biggest challenges students face when trying to achieve their goals,” said Becca Greskoviak, EAA Scholarship & Fund Steward Coordinator. “Thanks to the support of many donors who are dedicated to the future of flight, EAA is able to help break down that barrier through our scholarship program.”

More information about individual scholarships and online application procedures is available at EAA’s scholarship website at EAA.org/Scholarships. Scholarships are administered through the EAA Aviation Foundation.

Source: EAA

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