In travel news for May 2nd, 2023 we talk about American Airlines officially voting to Strike, the U.S. Government aims to increase diversity and solve the Pilot Shortage, and the FAA add’s new routes to improve the travel experience.
American Airlines Pilots Authorize Strike: Travelers Brace for Potential Disruptions
The Allied Pilots Association (APA), representing 15,000 American Airlines pilots, has voted overwhelmingly in favor of authorizing a Strike. The pilots seek higher wages and better working conditions. Despite the vote, a strike is not imminent, as the National Mediation Board would have to decide that further mediation is fruitless before allowing a strike to proceed. Recently, pilots from several U.S. airlines have won significant raises and concessions, leveraging the nationwide Pilot Shortage. American Airlines CEO Robert Isom has expressed the carrier's willingness to match Delta's pay deal, which includes a 21% pay increase in the first year and a 40% increase over four years. The APA has indicated that pay isn't the primary obstacle to an agreement, emphasizing the importance of scheduling and work-rule improvements.
Bipartisan Legislation Aims to Alleviate Pilot Shortage and Improve Air Travel Experience
New bipartisan legislation in the House and Senate aims to reduce financial barriers for aspiring pilots. The bills propose increasing the federal student loan limit for flight training programs from $80,000 to $137,500. Supporting organizations, including the RAA, A4A, and ALPA, believe this measure will help address the U.S. Pilot Shortage and promote diversity in pilot ranks. The high cost of attaining a bachelor's degree and requisite flight training, estimated at $200,000 or more, has been a significant barrier for aspiring pilots, particularly those from low-income and under-represented backgrounds. The proposed legislation also includes a federal matching grant program for establishing flight training and pilot trainee scholarship programs for such students.
New FAA Routes Set to Improve Travel Experience During Busy Summer Season
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has introduced 169 new routes along the East Coast in anticipation of the busy summer travel season. These more direct routes are expected to save 40,000 miles and 6,000 minutes of travel time annually, reduce delays, and enhance operational flexibility. Developed over seven years through collaboration between the FAA and the aviation industry, these routes aim to improve the travel experience. Operating mainly at altitudes above 18,000 feet along the East Coast, as well as offshore over the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico, the new routes will help prevent delays, reduce complexity in airspace, and provide shorter travel times, ultimately creating a more enjoyable and stress-free travel experience for passengers.