United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
Pilots warn of flight disruptions if vaccinne mandate goes ahead
Pilots at American and Southwest Airlines are warning of staff shortages, potentially leading to cancelled flights if vaccines are mandatory for them.
The Allied Pilots Association (APA) said a mandate issued by the White House would force airline to ‘offer unpaid leaves of absence or, worse, implement mass terminations of unvaccinated pilots.’
APA president, Eric Ferguson, wrote in a letter to the White House, that officials should look at alternate means of compliance’ rather than force pilots to get vaccinated.
"All of those members are still able to perform their duties as professional pilots. To force those pilots out of their positions, rather than offering viable alternatives will have adverse consequences upon their families and the airline industry as a whole," he wrote.
Ferguson sent the letter to various officials in the FAA, Congress and the Department of Transportation.
APA represents 14,000 American Airlines pilots.
Southwest Airlines Pilots Association (SWAPA) also warned of similar consequences.
"SWAPA’s stance is that it is each pilot’s right to choose whether or not to get the vaccine," the union said.
Southwest recently said it would offer employees 16 hours extra pay if they provide proof of full vaccination.
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Tony from Gatto’s Pizza on Columbus’s Unique Pizza Trail
Sophia Hyder Hock on Global Social Inclusion in Tourism
Sustainable Tourism: Don Welsh on Community Values and Global Collaboration
Jane Cunningham: Enhancing European Engagement in Tourism
Kristin Dunne: Navigating Destination Strategy
Revolutionizing Mobile Connectivity: Boris Bijlstra on HUBBY eSIM
Capturing Glasgow’s Vibrancy: An Interview with Susan Deighan, Chief Executive of Glasgow Life
Lebua Hotel & Resorts: Rajan Khurana on Hospitality and Bangkok’s Charms
Sustainable Tourism and Growth: Insights from Chiravadee Khunsub from Tourism Authority of Thailand
Revolutionizing Travel: SmartSIM USA’s Dale Takio Unveils the Power of E Sims
TravelMole Interview with Hishan Singhawansa, Deputy CEO of Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, Sri Lanka
Unveiling the Essence of Magari Tours: A Dive into Authentic Italian Experiences
Abercrombie & Kent hails $500 million funding boost
British Airways passengers endure 11-hour 'flight to nowhere'
CLIA: Anti-cruise demos could cause itinerary changes in Europe
Gatwick braces for strike
Co-pilot faints, easyJet flight issues ‘red alert’