The decade that terrorists attacked not only the United States on American soil, but pilots’ careers and livelihoods. To commemorate ALPA’s 80th anniversary, Air Line Pilot features the following special section, which illustrates the challenges, opportunities, and trends of one of the most turbulent decades in the industry’s history. By chronicling moments that forever changed the aviation industry and its pilots, this Decade in Review—while not all-encompassing—reflects on where the Association and the industry are today while reiterating that ALPA’s strength and resilience will serve its members and the profession well in the years to come.

June/July 2011 Air Line Pilot 13 The Decade— By the Numbers By John Perkinson, Staff Writer

lthough the start of the millennium began with optimism, 2001 and the decade that followed has been infamously called by some “The Lost Decade.” And statistics don’t lie. ALPA’s Economic A and Financial Analysis (E&FA) Department dissected, by the numbers, the last 10 years of the airline industry, putting together a compelling story of inflation, consolidation, and even growth.

Putting It in Perspective

During the last decade, the average cost of a dozen large Grade A eggs jumped from 91 cents to $1.66, an increase of 82.4 percent. Yet the Air Transport Association (ATA) reports that the average domestic round-trip ticket cost just $1.81 more in 2010 than at the turn of the decade—$316.27 as compared to $314.46 in 2001 (excluding taxes). That’s an increase of just 0.6 percent more. How does that increase compare with other products and services over the decade? • the cost of tuition at a public university rocketed up by 116. 8 percent, • the price of a movie ticket went up 46.4 percent, and • the cost of a new single-family home rose by 31.7 percent.

Capacity Membership by Global airline capacity increased overall during the Global airline capacity increased The Numbers decade but fell due to 9/11, SARS, and the recession overall during the decade, but fell due Number of pilots ALPA represented as 15% to 9/11, SARS, and the recession (see of Jan. 1, 2001: 59,691 at 49 airlines in the U.S.: 53,000 at 39 airlines 10% “Industry Challenges,” page 18). In the in Canada: 3,691 at 10 airlines Available seat kilometers Available ton kilometers U.S., passenger loads went from almost Number of pilots ALPA represented as 5% 70 percent in 2001 to 81.5 percent in of Dec. 31, 2010: 52,473 at 38 airlines 2010, and passenger traffic peaked in the U.S.: 50,018 at 30 airlines 0% in Canada: 2,455 at 8 airlines in 2007 at just more than 842,000. Number of master executive councils -5% Canada’s passenger traffic tracked a in 2001: 49 similar course but peaked a year later Number of master executive councils -10% in 2010: 38 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 with nearly 130,000 passengers. Estimate Number of local executive councils Source: IATA WATS 2009, IATA Traffic Report in 2001: 127 Number of local executive councils in 2010: 105 —Kimberly Seitz, ALPA Senior Pilot Groups that Joined Capital Cargo—2007 North American—2009 Communications Specialist Welcome ALPA from 2001 to the Evergreen—2007 Compass—2010 (part of the Present Colgan—2008 Northwest/Delta structure Aboard! Continental—2001 CommutAir—2008 until master executive FedEx Express—2002 First Air—2008 council was established) Gemini—2002 (ceased Wasaya—2008 Canadian North—2011 operations in 2008) AirTran—2009 Kitty Hawk—2004 (ceased Air Transport —Kimberly Seitz, ALPA operations in 2008) International—2009 Senior Communications CanJet—2006 Specialist

14 Air Line Pilot June/July 2011 The Decade— By the Numbers

Ticket Price Paralysis? U.S. annual average domestic itinerary airfare (adjusted for inflation) $325 Although the cost of airline tickets remained Average annual airfares remarkably unchanged, when taking inflation $300 (adjusted for inflation) into consideration U.S. airfares actually went Air fares were down 21% at the $275 end of 2010 compared to 2001 down 21 percent by the end of 2010. It’s hard to fully explain this phenomenon, but rising fuel $250

1995 DOLLARS costs, the growth of low-cost airlines, and con- sumers’ increased ability $225 to compare ticket prices $200 using the Internet clearly Ancillary Fees 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 influenced ticket pricing. Airlines are also charging fees for Source: BTS. Fares based on domestic itinerary fares, round-trip or one-way for which no checked bags, reservation changes, return is purchased. Fares are based on the total ticket value, which consists of the price In Canada, despite the charged by the airlines plus any additional taxes and fees levied by an outside entity at the rise in fuel and operating transporting pets, and other extra time of purchase. Fares include only the price paid at the time of the ticket purchase and services. According to the BTS, in do not include other fees paid at the airport or aboard the aircraft. Averages do not include costs, the average price of frequent-flyer or “zero fares” or a few abnormally high reported fares. an airline ticket also de- 2010 airlines collected more than clined. Just like their U.S. $2.5 billion in baggage fees alone. Canada annual average airfares counterparts, Canadian $300 airlines suffered through the effects of the 9/11 Average annual airfares attacks, the global economic downturn, and new $275 Airfares were down 16% at the end of 2010 compared to 2001 competition. Looking for ways to increase prof- its, airlines in both countries are joining alliances $250 and undertaking joint ventures. Airline alliances generate more than half of the global airline $225 capacity, and nearly 60 percent of all passengers currently travel on alliance member airlines. $200 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

Source: Statistics Canada, Domestic and International Fares, Level I Scheduled Carriers. Includes Air Canada, Jazz, Air Canada regional codeshare partners, Air Transat, and WestJet. 2010 data for two quarters only.

Jet Fuel Prices Take Off $140 While ticket prices remained stagnant, the cost of fuel increased Jet fuel prices rose an average considerably during most of the decade. In fact, the price of jet fuel $120 of 10% per year over the decade but fell 50% from 2008 to 2009 rose so significantly that it currently represents more than a quarter $100 of an airline’s operating costs, overtaking labor as an airline’s greatest expense. A May 16 article in the Chicago Tribune titled “Haunted by $80 2008, Airlines Rush to Pass on Fuel Costs” reports that “just a penny annual boost in the price of a gallon of jet fuel costs [airlines] $175 $60 million.” Some airlines continue to hedge on fuel costs, but short-term

$40 volatility in oil markets and the limited availability of refining facilities may nullify any real competitive advantages. $20 The potential for increased jet fuel costs remains a concern for industry stakeholders. Experimenting with and testing hydro-treated $0 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 renewable jet biofuel and other options continue, but airlines appear YTD Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration to be dependent on traditional jet fuel for the foreseeable future.

June/July 2011 Air Line Pilot 15 The Decade— By the Numbers

Express Yourself Express traffic has more than tripled from 2001 to 2010 90,000 +6.6% The regional airline market grew in leaps and bounds Express industry +3.0% +3.5% +7.8% YOY YOY 80,000 Scheduled system +23.1% YOY YOY during the last decade: Express traffic more than RPMs (millions) YOY 70,000 tripled and capacity increased nearly two-and-a-half +31.8% -4.6% times. The express industry underwent a structural 60,000 YOY YOY +30.5% change as jets became the dominant equipment and 50,000 YOY Recession trip lengths increased by approximately 60 percent. 40,000 +21.7% causes With this growth, regional jets filled the skies as +6.8% YOY weak demand YOY 30,000 their airlines financially outperformed their mainline counterparts. However, during the latter years of the 20,000 Years of significant traffic growth decade, the express market plateaued. Revenue for re- 10,000 gional carriers partnered with capacity-cutting legacy 0 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 airlines declined, driving up competition as contracts Estimate with regional carriers expired. As a result, the express Source: FAA Aerospace Forecasts Fiscal Years 2011–2031 industry entered a consolidation phase.

Forwarding Freight Revenue rebounds for U.S. cargo-only airlines 40 Air cargo operators weathered the last decade better than their passenger coun- 35 terparts. Initially cutting back services in response to 9/11, the U.S. air freight market 30 grew for much of the last decade. Air traffic fell significantly during the first half of 2009 25 due to the global recession, but the market

BILLIONS OF DOLLARS rebounded and is expected to continue 20 to grow. Boeing World Air Cargo Forecast predicts air freight will triple during the next 15 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 20 years, increasing by an average of 5.9 Estimate percent a year over 2009 levels. And senior Source: BTS, Form 41 Schedule P1.2. Carriers included Abx Air, Inc., Air Transport International, Amerijet International, Arrow Air, Inc., Asia Pacific, Astar Air Cargo, Inc., Capital Cargo air cargo captains at certain ALPA pilot International, Cargo 360, Inc., Centurion Cargo, Inc., Custom Air Transport, Emery Worldwide groups are currently among the highest paid Airlines, Evergreen Int’l, Inc., Express One Int’l, Inc., Express.Net Airlines, Federal Express Corporation, Florida West Airlines, Inc., Gemini Air Cargo, Gulf and Caribbean Cargo, Kalitta pilots in North America—further evidence Air LLC, Kitty Hawk Aircargo, Lynden Air Cargo Airlines, Northern Air Cargo, Inc., Omega Air Holdings d/b/a Focus Air, Polar Air Cargo Airways, Reliant Airlines, Southern Air, Inc., Tradewinds of the growth of cargo operations. Airlines, United Parcel Service, and Zantop International.

16 Air Line Pilot June/July 2011 Ten Legislative Victories By ALPA Staff

ALPA works closely with congressional members 2to craft the Homeland On Nov. 19, 2001, the U.S. president signs the Aviation Security Act of 2002 (PL 107–296), In 2002, ALPA and and Transportation Security Act (PL 107–71). This law which mandates the Federal the labor community 1includes ALPA’s post-9/11 security priorities, including Flight Deck Officer program for 3successfully stave off arming pilots, federalizing the airport security workforce, and qualified, trained volunteer pilots baseball-style binding arbitra- strengthening airliner cockpit doors. to carry firearms as a last line of tion in airline negotiations by defense against terrorism. Due to a defeating the Airline Labor last-minute backroom deal by U.S. Dispute Resolution Act and (In chronological order— House Republican leaders, the word the Communities for Economic After a long legislative read the full list at www. “passenger” is inserted in the bill, Strength Through Aviation, the process, the U.S. presi- meaning that only pilots of “passen- lobbying group led by antilabor alpa.org/decadeinreview.) 5dent signs the Pension ger aircraft” can participate. By 2004, former members of Congress Protection Act of 2006 (PL ALPA successfully lobbies to include and the airline industry to 109–280). It includes airline cargo pilots as well. promote its passage. pension relief to allow airlines International aviation to amortize their unfunded issues take center stage— In 2003, the United States pension liabilities over 25 years, 4 but not the ALPA-sought-after Foreign Control. In November 2005, the DOT issues a enters into negotiations to create notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) proposing to an air services agreement with the Akaka amendment, which substantially liberalize the Department’s test for “actual European Union. The EU proposes would have allowed pilots—at 6 control” of U.S. airlines by U.S. citizens so that foreign investors that the two sides eliminate (with age 60—to receive the benefit could take greater stakes in U.S. airlines. Over the next year, ALPA respect to one another) any restric- guarantees calculated as though files several answers in opposition to the DOT’s proposed rule tions on the ownership and control they had reached the maximum and mounts a full-scale effort to generate congressional opposi- of their airlines, the carriage of age of 65. tion as well. Dozens of members of Congress voice their strong domestic (cabotage) traffic, and the and concerted opposition to the NPRM, and in December 2006 wet lease of aircraft on domestic the DOT announces that it will withdraw its proposal. routes. ALPA works to ensure that On Dec. 13, 2007, in Congress (1) is kept abreast of ALPA’s accordance with the concerns about these (and other) 7International Civil developments in the negotiations Aviation Organization standard, In 2008, ALPA’s CrewPASS concept becomes a reality and (2) advises the Department the mandatory retirement age after thousands of members send letters to Capitol Hill of Transportation (DOT) and for U.S. pilots goes from age 8calling on Congress to urge the Transportation Security the Department of State about 60 to 65 after the president Administration (TSA) to act on the requirements in the Implementing Congress’s views on the EU propos- signs the provision into law. Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007. The Act als. In part because of ALPA’s efforts, The legislation includes ALPA’s requires the TSA to begin an expedited access and identification the three proposals described above recommendations regarding program for flightcrew members. are not included in either the “first pilot training, health, seniority, stage” air services agreement, which and legal indemnification con- went into effect in March 2008, or sistent with ALPA’s Executive A watershed the “second stage” agreement, which Board resolution passed earlier Withdrawn moment in went into effect in June 2010. that year. Thanks to member participation in the 10 the history Association’s Calls to Action, ALPA heads of aviation: the enactment off several disastrous proposals, including of the Aviation Safety and On Dec. 21, 2009, the U.S. president • a bill introduced by Sen. Jim DeMint Pilot Training Improvement signs legislation into law (PL 111– (R-S.C.) that would have mandated that Act (PL 111–216). The 9119) closing an unintended loophole airline managements monitor cockpit law requires an update of in the Family Medical Leave Act that voice recorders specifically for disciplinary flight-time/duty-time regula- requires employees to work at least 1,250 purposes. tions based on science—an hours in a 12-month period. As every pilot • a bill that would have overhauled the ALPA priority for more than knows, and as ALPA makes clear to lawmak- operations of the U.S. Postal Service, two decades. It also raises ers, federal law prohibits airline pilots from allowing the USPS to contract with foreign standards for airline pilot logging more than 1,000 hours of flight time airlines to carry U.S. mail overseas. screening, hiring, and training in airline operations annually. • a provision regarding the FAA regulatory and encourages all airlines process, introduced by Rep. Bill Shuster to establish ASAP and FOQA (R-Pa.), that would have interfered with programs. needed updates to flight-time/duty-time regulations (see “Legislative Update,” page 11).

June/July 2011 Air Line Pilot 17 Industry Challenges

By Molly Martin, Contributing Writer

SARS outbreak s the airline industry looks to the future, it must According to the World Health learn from the lessons of the last decade—that Organization (WHO), a total of 8,098 worldwide conditions affect the global mar- people world- wide became ketplace. Terrorism, wars, economic recession, sick with SARS volatileA fuel costs, pandemics, and natural disasters all took during the 2003 a toll on the industry. During the last decade, the U.S. indus- outbreak. Of try posted an estimated $53 billion pretax loss. The U.S. and these, 774 died. global airline industries were profitable only three years out of the decade. Let’s take a look at some of the challen- ges the industry faced. War in Afghanistan On Oct. 7, 2001, less than a month after the 9/11 attacks, U.S. and allied forces invaded Afghanistan 9/11 and its effects to dismantle the al-Qaeda terrorist organization, end No industry suffered greater economic damage from 9/11 than the its use of Afghanistan as a base, remove the Taliban U.S. airline industry. That dark day in September grounded airplanes regime from power, and establish democracy. for days, forced more than 100,000 aviation workers out of their jobs, and caused many customers to reduce or avoid air travel altogether. The terrorist attacks also triggered an avalanche of airline bankruptcies.

Iraq War In March 2003, American forces invaded Iraq, vowing to destroy weapons of mass destruc- tion and to end the dictatorship of Saddam Hussein.

18 Air Line Pilot June/July 2011 Industry Challenges

Hurricane Katrina Hurricane Katrina, the Fuel price spike most costly hurricane Oil prices peaked at just under $150 a barrel in to strike the U.S. at July 2008, and many $81 billion, caused airlines reacted by widespread devasta- not only increasing tion along the central fares and cutting Gulf Coast states in capacity, but also by August 2005. At least adding fees for ancil- 1,833 people died as lary services such as a result, making it the checked bags. deadliest U.S. hurricane since 1928.

Avian flu outbreak In late 2003 and early 2004, poultry infected with the influenza A virus led to severe and fatal Economic recession infections in humans from the highly pathogenic On Dec. 1, 2008, the National Bureau of Economic Research avian influenza A (H5N1) viruses. The WHO announced that the U.S. reported that the avian virus had spread from economy had entered a reces- Asia to Europe and Africa, resulting in millions of sion on Dec. 1, 2007. On Sept. poultry infections, several hundred human cases, 20, 2010, it announced that and many human deaths. the recession had ended in June 2009. This official end date makes the most recent Hurricane Rita downturn the longest since Hurricane Rita devastated coastal communities in World War II, at 18 months. southwestern Louisiana in September 2005. Its winds, rain, and tornadoes caused fatalities and a wide swath of devastation from eastern Texas to Alabama, racking up $11.3 billion in damage. Global financial crisis The global recession hit hard with widespread business shutdowns, increases in unemployment, and shrinking government revenues. Nearly all industrialized countries otolia

, F , and many emerging and developing nations announced economic stimulus and/or financial sector rescue pack- ages by the end of the decade. rmy A U.S. , tock , i S , orce Swine flu The WHO declared the 2009 swine flu outbreak on April 25, 2009, recommending that countries intensify surveillance for unusual occurrences of influenza-like illness and severe pneumonia. ir F A FEMA; W ikipedia C ommons ; U.S. ARCHIVES, : ALPA C redits P hoto June/July 2011 Air Line Pilot 19 Major Aviation Events

By Jan W. Steenblik, Technical Editor

With Malice Aforethought: Security Threats

Sept. 11, 2001: The twin towers of Dec. 22, 2001: Richard Reid, a British- the World Trade Center in New York born follower of bin Laden, tries to blow City collapse after hijacked airliners up American Airlines Flight 63 enroute slam into each building. A third from Paris to Miami with explosives in airliner strikes the Pentagon near the soles of his shoes. Passengers help Washington, D.C., and a fourth dives overpower Reid; the B-767, escorted into a field in rural Pennsylvania. At by F-15s, diverts to Boston. (In January

least 2,992 people die in the coordi- 2003, Reid is sentenced to life in prison.) ARCHIVES ALPA nated attacks blamed on Osama bin A shoulder-launched antiaircraft missile Laden and al-Qaeda. Nov. 22, 2003: A shoulder-launched strikes a DHL A300 freighter departing antiaircraft missile Baghdad, Iraq, seriously damaging the (man-portable air left wing and destroying the left engine. defense system, or MANPADS) strikes a June 30, 2007: Bilal Abdullah, a British- DHL A300 freighter born Muslim doctor of Iraqi descent, departing Baghdad, and his driver, Kafeel Ahmed, drive a Iraq, seriously damag- Jeep Cherokee loaded with propane ing the left wing and canisters into the glass doors of the destroying the left terminal at Glasgow International Airport engine. The flight in Scotland and set the car ablaze. Five crew manages to get members of the public suffer minor the crippled airplane injuries, some from subduing Ahmed

wikipedia commons back to the airport just and Abdullah. Ahmed later dies from The twin towers of the World Trade Center collapse as the A300 loses all burns, and Abdullah is sentenced to 32 after hijacked airliners slam into each building. hydraulic pressure. years in prison.

November January February April May November 23—New January 30—Then-FAA February 21–22— April 23—The Blue May 16—The Senate ICAO standard on airline Administrator Marion ALPA Age 60 Blue Ribbon Panel presents Commerce, Science, and pilots’ mandatory retire- Blakey announces Ribbon Panel has its its findings to ALPA’s Transportation Committee ment age goes into that the FAA will issue first meeting. Executive Council. passes the FAA reautho- effect. an NPRM on the Age rization bill that includes 60 rule. S. 65, a bill to raise airline pilots’ mandatory retire- ment age. May 23—ALPA’s Executive Retiring Age 60 Board modifies its policy to enable the Association to influence legislation The Time Line and regulatory efforts. 2006 2007

20 Air Line Pilot June/July 2011 Major Aviation Events

into custody without incurring casualties Oct. 29, 2010: Two packages, each (see “CanJet Pilots Credit Training and containing a sophisticated and ALPA Support in Handling Attempted powerful improvised bomb—PETN Hijacking,” page 29). powder hidden inside a desktop laser

wikipedia commons printer’s toner cartridge—are found Terrorists launch multiple attacks Dec. 25, 2009: Umar Farouk Abdulmu­ on a UPS freighter in England and in Mumbai, India. tallab, the “Underwear Bomber,” tries a FedEx freighter in Dubai because but fails to bring down Northwest of a specific intelligence tip. Both Nov. 26, 2008: Terrorists trained and Airlines Flight 253 from Amsterdam bombs, wired to cellphone alarms supported by Lashkar-e-Taiba launch as it approaches Detroit. Passengers, and timed to detonate over U.S. soil, multiple attacks in Mumbai, India, kill- hearing a “pop” and seeing smoke, rush are labeled with Chicago addresses. ing more than 150 and injuring more Abdulmutallab and take him to the first- than 300. U.S. airline pilots and flight class section of the airplane, where they Nov. 5, 2010: AQAP claims respon- attendants narrowly escape being search him for explosives. sibility for the printer cartridge gunned down in their layover hotel. bombs. The terrorist group de- Dec. 28, 2009: In a website posting, al- clares, “We will continue to strike Apr. 19, 2009: A lone, armed hijacker, Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) blows against American interests 20-year-old Stephen Fray, seizes con- claims responsibility for the failed bomb- and the interest of America’s al- trol of CanJet Flight 918 at Sangster ing three days earlier. lies…. Since both operations were International Airport in Montego successful, we intend to spread the Bay, Jamaica. More than nine hours Jan. 24, 2010: Arab news network Al- idea to our mujahedeen brothers later, after extensive negotiations and Jazeera airs a purported audiotape of bin in the world and enlarge the circle efforts by the flight crew to resolve Laden, who claims responsibility for the of its application to include civilian the situation, Jamaican counterter- Dec. 25, 2009, attempted bombing on aircraft in the West as well as cargo rorism operatives take the hijacker Northwest Flight 253. aircraft.”

June July September November December June 29—The House July 12—The Senate September 11—The full November 12—House December 11—Oberstar Transportation and Appropriations Com- U.S. Senate strips S. 65 and Senate conferees language is brought to Infrastructure Committee mittee adopts S. 65 from the Transportation include the Stevens the House floor as free- passes the FAA reautho- during consideration Appropriations bill amendment as part standing legislation in the rization bill that includes of the Transportation and substitutes it with of the Transportation form of H.R. 4343 and the ALPA-endorsed Appropriations bill. the House Oberstar Appropriations confer- passes unanimously. Oberstar (D-Minn.) lan- language in the form of ence report. December 12—Senate fol- guage to raise the upper the Stevens (R-Alaska) lows suit and unanimously age limit. amendment. approves H.R. 4343. September 20—The December 13—White House passes the FAA House signs Age 65 into reauthorization bill with law. the Oberstar language intact.

June/July 2011 Air Line Pilot 21 Major Aviation Events

By ALPA Engineering and Air Safety Department Staff

Lessons Learned: The Decade’s Airline Accidents and Incidents Pop quiz: In the decade from lines, and other aviation organizations to 2001 to 2010, how many accidents effectively put those mitigations in place. and incidents did ALPA have a direct Most pilots spend an entire career involvement in? The answer may without being involved in an event surprise you. During that period, ALPA that ends up on a list of “active inves- safety representatives were involved, tigations” because the industry finds in one way or another, in 151 sepa- something notable in every occurrence rate investigations that the NTSB and makes every attempt to learn from or the Transportation Safety Board it and prevent its recurrence. The “lesson of Canada (TSBC) conducted. There learned” may be as simple as validating were 66 accidents and 85 incidents. existing safety standards, SOPs, checklist create a synergy that results in air travel Were they all “notable events”? procedures, inspection protocols, or being the safest form of transportation Actually, yes—especially if you hap- manufacturing quality control. Or it may in history. Lapses in any part of this pen to be a pilot. be far more complex, like an end-to-end complex system, however, can have ALPA policy says that if a member review of pilot qualification, hiring, serious consequences. of an ALPA-represented pilot group and training standards and processes. • Runway safety areas work. is involved in an airline accident, the Deviating from those protocols could • Pilots need accurate, timely informa- Association will attempt to be a direct lead to disaster. tion about participant in the investigation. In Let’s look at some of the most notable runway condi- fact, ALPA’s industry reputation has lessons that came from the investiga- tions to make allowed it to participate directly in tions of accidents and incidents during accurate deci- the investigation of some non-ALPA this past decade: sions about the safety of a landing. pilot group accidents. Even if the • ALPA has said and continues to say • The industry needs to continue efforts Association is not on scene, it main- to provide accurate measurements of tains an ongoing dialogue with the runway friction on non-dry runways. investigating authorities and gathers • The complexity of modern aircraft is information to share with ALPA pilots such that manufacturers go to extreme flying the same airplane type, with lengths to prevent possible failures and the same mission, or using the same their consequences. In spite of that, airport. As ALPA teaches in its ac- sometimes unanticipated failures occur. cident investigation training courses, This reality shows the value of continu- “An accident is an opportunity.” The ous feedback on line operations.

goal of investigation is to prevent ENGINEERING AND AIR SAFETY ALPA PHOTOS: • Criminalization of aircraft accidents recurrence, and the goal of ALPA’s that a well-trained, well-rested, well- and incidents participation is twofold—to provide qualified flight crew is the single most remains an line pilot expertise to the investigat- important safety feature of an airliner. ever-present ing authority (including analysis of • Aviation professionals in every threat to the event) and to gather as much discipline, including pilots, controllers, advancing avia- information as the Association can to dispatchers, tion safety. share throughout the union and the cabin crews, • The safety of the industry relies on airline industry. maintenance double-checks, redundant safety systems, It’s these “lessons learned” that personnel, and strict adherence to procedures. The allow the industry to develop mitiga- regulators, and old adage about lining up the holes in tions and work with regulators, air- investigators, the Swiss cheese still holds. The holes are

22 Air Line Pilot June/July 2011 Major Aviation Events

getting smaller, but sometimes they still line up. Eyjafjallajökull Kicks Ash • High-quality training is expensive but is a great investment. Explosive eruptions of • Assumptions that were valid when Eyjafjallajökull, a volcano in a rule or procedure was written many Iceland, during April and May years ago may no longer be true. 2010 ejected ash directly into • People make mistakes. Just tell- an unusually stable jetstream, ing people not to make mistakes is which carried the ash across an ineffective safety strategy. The the North Atlantic and over industry needs to combine training, Europe—into some of the evaluation, human factors, and a wide busiest airspace in the world. array of mitigation strategies, both Because of the hazard that to minimize the likelihood of human volcanic ash poses due to error and to deal with the errors that potential damage to engines inevitably occur. and other aircraft parts, as • Fatigue is a safety issue. well as the health hazard to • There are no waivers to the laws of aircraft occupants, the erup- physics. tions caused the largest air • Pilots absolutely must know about traffic shutdown since World the pres- War II, stranding an esti- ence of any mated 5 million passengers in dangerous Europe and elsewhere around

cargo load- wikipedia commons the world. ed on their The immediate disruption to air travel was far greater than the three-day aircraft. grounding of civil aviation in the United States that began on Sept. 11, 2001. • Safety standards and equipment Most of the airspace over northern Europe shut down for an entire week (April in place, on the aircraft or on the 15–23), and authorities closed airspace in different parts of Europe intermit- ground, for an airliner must not vary tently during the next few weeks. based on what is carried “in the back.” • Safety information kept from the people who need it has no value. • The impossible may still happen. Moment of Silence We mourn the loss of the flight crews and passengers of Sept. 11, 2001: United Airlines Flight 93 Sept. 11, 2001: United Airlines Flight 175 Sept. 11, 2001: American Airlines Flight 11 Sept. 11, 2001: American Airlines Flight 77

(See the first item in this list.) Jan. 8, 2003: Air Midwest Flight 5481 • Effective communication is a valu- Oct. 14, 2004: Pinnacle Airlines Flight 3701 able safety tool. Aug. 27, 2006: Comair Flight 191 • Having the same accident twice Feb. 12, 2009: Colgan Air Flight 3407 indicates a breakdown in the system Mar. 23, 2009: FedEx Express Flight 80 that all stakeholders should be con- cerned about and try to fix.

June/July 2011 Air Line Pilot 23 -

Airline alli -

The many terrorist at The many terrorist Regional jets filled Regional ances consolidated from five from consolidated ances oneworld, in 2001 (Star, groups to Qualiflyer) Wings, SkyTeam, oneworld, (Star, groups three and ac - today, and SkyTeam) Alliances:

The web grew in leaps and boundsThe web grew

32.1% Star Alliance 19.0% oneworld the skies as their airlines financially - outperformed their mainline coun By the end of decade, terparts. industry entered the express however, phase (see “Thea consolidation page 14). Decade—By the Numbers,” Fee-for-Departure Agreements: tacks and security threats (see “Major Aviation Aviation “Major (see threats security and decade tacks this occurred that 20) page Events,” page pushed aviation security issues to the forefront Technology,” and Security, “Safety, pilots (see airline for reality new a created and 26) public. and the traveling Aviation Security: Aviation

Of Revenues 2009 World Share 19.8% 29% Sky Team Sky U naligned The I nternet: during the decade, making sweeping changes to the indus - during the decade, of end the By checking their flight status totry—passengers went from online. in checking and tickets their buying some people didn’t even need a “paper” the decade, on a smartphone. just a QR code anymore, ticket counted for 78 percent of global airline traffic in 2009. All in 2009. of global airline traffic 78 percent for counted have plans to expand in the years to come. of the alliances Alliances Globalization Agreements Mergers Mergers

Bankruptcies

The Internet Aviation Security Aviation

Midwest, Northwest, Northwest, Midwest, (see Airways US and Its Rears “Bankruptcy page 32). Ugly Head,”

Delta merged Fee-For-Departure

Mergers: with Northwest in October October in Northwest with United later, years Two 2008. announced AirTran by Continental and recently most followed own, their of merger a - also saw consolida market The express and Southwest. Several passenger airlines declared declared airlines passenger Several Contributing Writer Contributing B y M olly artin, Trends of the Decade The globalization of economic activities The globalization of economic bankruptcy during the decade, including Aloha, ATA, Delta, Delta, ATA, including Aloha, bankruptcy during the decade, Bankruptcies: tion. In 2010 alone, Atlantic Southeast merged with ExpressJet, and Pinnacle, and Pinnacle, with ExpressJet, Atlantic Southeast merged In 2010 alone, tion. a three-way merger. went through and Colgan Mesaba, Globalization: and territories, including all 27 27 all including territories, and Union member European states. concluded bilateral air services bilateral concluded countries foreign 86 with agreements increased significantly during the last decade; and as the industry during the last decade; significantly increased the Department, State the airline industry changed the global marketplace, U.S. that connects the to According with business. did agreements it how Skies Open into entered now has States United of the world and at every region than 100 partners more from Canada development. economic of level every

24 Air Line Pilot June/July 2011

- - By 2029, By 2029, State-owned airlines: air of percent 68 volume will traffic the emerg be from in economies ing andsuch countries as Asia, regions and India, Brazil, the Middle East. The many terrorist at The many terrorist

tacks and security threats (see “Major Aviation Aviation “Major (see threats security and decade tacks this occurred that 20) page Events,” page pushed aviation security issues to the forefront Technology,” and Security, “Safety, pilots (see airline for reality new a created and 26) public. and the traveling Aviation Security: Aviation

Creating Creating

U AS: national stan- unmanned for dards - system integra aircraft

ALPA’s plan 2010 strategic seeking made it onto ALPA’s now civil airspace tion into U.S. are organizations Many items. to-do of list systems. future toward progress help drive real hoping that the union can input on UAS, And Qualifications Alliances Pilot Training

Globalization

Agreements Mergers Mergers Bankruptcies The Internet Systems With fewer pilotsWith fewer

Aviation Security Aviation

Environmental Concerns

Fee-For-Departure Eastern Airlines coming out of the military and and military the of out coming and training pilot stringent more under regulations qualification gets industry the where development, pilots—and of generation next the with bring they experience of type what change just cockpit—might the to them the way airlines do business. Training:

Looking Ahead… Unmanned Aircraft Rise of the Middle

In January 2008, ALPA created the the created ALPA 2008, January In Aviation on Force Task Presidential to Environment the and Sustainability draft positions- and policy on environ With emissions concerns mental issues. of fuel skyrocketing and the price page 18), (see “Industry Challenges,” these issues will make are chances years to come. headlines for Environmental concerns:

June/July 2011 Air Line Pilot 25 Safety, Security, and Technology

By Jan W. Steenblik, Technical Editor

he 9/11 terrorist attacks had a devastating effect on the airline Tindustry. As a result, aviation security issues have been at the forefront of much of ALPA’s activities during the last decade. As far as operational and technological aspects and their effect on safety are concerned, however, the airline industry continued to make enormous strides dur- ing the first decade of the 21st century: By 2007, the risks that could result in air- line accidents in the U.S. and Canada had been reduced by more than 70 percent in one decade (see “One Decade, Two Colliers,” below). Many of the changes, Check it out! Dual head-up large and small, that brought about the displays will be standard on industry’s extraordinarily high level of the Boeing 787. safety reflect ALPA’s input, advocacy, and engagement with government and indus- BOEING try stakeholders—and a move toward a The new decade also brought new approaches to Runways 28L/R at SFO data-driven, rather than a headline-driven, procedures: The era began on a high began, and ALPA was involved in their approach to airline safety. note with ALPA’s successful land-and- development from start to finish. The As the decade began, airlines got hold-short operations (LAHSO) campaign next year saw the start of domestic rid of older, less efficient airliners. New in 2000 (although the work in Canada to RVSM in the U.S. and Canada. More (and aircraft—including the Airbus A380, make simultaneous intersecting runway longer) ETOPS flights crossed the oceans. bigger derivatives of the Bombardier CRJ operations [SIRO] safe remains ongoing). RNAV SIDs and STARs (starting with LAS line, larger Embraer models with under- In 2004, simultaneous offset instrument in 2001) proliferated, as did RNP   wing engines, and the B-787 and B-747-8 still in development—took to the skies (see “Airliners,” page 30). ALPA safety ALPA shared the prestigious Collier Trophy twice in the representatives worked closely with One last decade, marking three times that the Association has Airbus, Boeing, Bombardier, and Embraer Decade, received this high recognition (the first was in 1995, as to provide line pilot input to design and Two part of the Boeing 777 development team). procedures. An annual aviation award administered by the U.S. With new aircraft came more new tech- Colliers National Aeronautics Association (NAA), the Collier Trophy nology (and important retrofits)—more is presented to those who have made “the greatest “glass” cockpits and fewer “steam gauges.” achievement in aeronautics or astronautics in America, More use of composites, more reliance with respect to improving the performance, efficiency, on satellite navigation and surveillance. and safety of air or space vehicles, the value of which has Because of a mandate to install TAWS/ been thoroughly demonstrated by actual use during the EGPWS in airline cockpits (2001–2005), preceding year.” plus improved flight crew training, con- ALPA shared the Collier Trophy in 2007 with other trolled-flight-into-terrain (CFIT) accidents organizations that helped to develop ADS-B. The next became almost nonexistent. Government year, the Association was among the key aviation orga- and industry moved cautiously toward nizations that make up the Commercial Aviation Safety more use of electronic flight bags (2002). Team (CAST), credited with mapping out the dozens of Dual head-up displays became available mitigations that reduced the risk of airline accidents by on the Embraer 190 and standard equip- more than 70 percent in just a decade. ment on the Boeing 787.

26 Air Line Pilot June/July 2011 Safety, Security, and Technology

Security

9/11 terrorist attacks: ALPA’s re- and testimony before the U.S. Congress introduction of sponse is swift and decisive. result in government mandates to install the Restricted l Capt. Duane Woerth, then-ALPA reinforced cockpit doors on airliners in Area Identity Card president, creates the ALPA Security Canada (2001) and the U.S. (2002). (RAIC), which Task Force (see photo below), a mul- includes biometric tidisciplinary group of pilots and staff Common Strategy: In early 2002, information and led by Capt. Dennis Dolan, then-ALPA the FAA, the Transportation Security is required of all first vice president. Over the next few Administration (TSA), and the DOT airport employ- years, this group and a beefed-up adopt a revised version of the Common ees and airline Strategy (the U.S. government’s airline crewmembers at the 29 Class I and protocol for handling hijackings) de- II airports in Canada. In 2006, ALPA veloped by an ALPA-led government/ convinces Transport Canada to speed industry group. The new strategy empha- up RAIC regulations and require full sizes a forceful response to hijackers. In implementation by Dec. 31, 2006. 2003, ALPA’s input to Transport Canada gains significant changes to security CASS: In 2005, the TSA approves use

ALPA ARCHIVES ALPA training for flightcrew members. In 2006, of the Cockpit Access Security System ALPA National Security Committee the Association plays a key role in TSA’s (CASS) program, which paves the way develop, lobby for, and help imple- issuing the first Common Strategy for to act on ALPA’s recommendations to ment dozens of security-enhancing U.S. all-cargo airlines. reopen cockpit jumpseats to offline initiatives in the U.S. and Canada. deadheading and commuting pilots. l Woerth serves on the Aircraft FFDOs: In 2002, ALPA’s strong advocacy CASS provides a secure method of Security Rapid Response Team, leads Congress to direct the TSA to verifying jumpseaters’ identity and created by the U.S. Department of establish the Federal Flight Deck Officer employment status by using existing Transportation (DOT) secretary, which (FFDO) airline databases. ALPA, working submits numerous security recom- program. closely with airline and labor represen- mendations to the DOT secretary two Since tatives, promoted CASS to the U.S. gov- weeks after the 9/11 attacks. April ernment for a number of years before l ALPA creates and staffs a 24/7 2003, the program was institutionalized. crisis command center for several thousands months, fielding hundreds of calls of U.S. Crew Personnel Advanced from pilots with security-related ques- flightcrew Screening System: In 2008, after tions and serving as a liaison to law members have graduated from FFDO more than a year of ALPA advocacy, enforcement and regulatory agencies. training. ALPA’s continued close involve- the TSA establishes a formal program ment with the Federal Air Marshal to demonstrate an ALPA-conceived Reinforced cockpit doors: ALPA’s Service (FAMS) has led to many improve- program called participation on the U.S. Aviation ments in the FFDO program, including the Crew Rulemaking rules on weapon carriage, SOPs, and Personnel Advisory Committee options for recurrent training. In 2010, Advanced (ARAC) and on ALPA input convinces FAMS to approve Screening the DOT’s Rapid the first FFDO missions outside the U.S. System at Response Team three East and on Canada’s RAIC: ALPA’s 2002 testimony before Coast airports. Aviation Security Canada’s Senate Committee on National The screening WILLIAM A. FORD WILLIAM A. BOEING Advisory Committee Security and Defence leads to the system, 

June/July 2011 Air Line Pilot 27 Safety, Security, and Technology

Security (continued) ALPA on the Issues Between 2004 which provides an alternative means Additional aviation security and 2010, the of security screening for authorized measures: ALPA has supported and Association crewmembers, uses airline employee strongly advocated for a host of other produces databases to verify a person’s identity aviation security measures, including ALPA position and employment status. In 2009, the greatly increasing the size and robust- papers on a TSA officially informs ALPA that the ness of the FAMS (2001) and passing wide variety agency approves of nationwide imple- and implementing the Air Cargo of safety mentation of the concept of special- Security Final Rule (2006). In Canada, and secu- ized screening for flightcrew members ALPA similarly supported creating rity subjects, and establishes policy for doing so. the Canadian Air Transport Security including MANPADS, enhanced The Association promptly launches an Authority (CATSA) (2001) and the FAMS’ screening of flightcrew members, the effort to gain airline acceptance of the counterparts, RCMP Aircraft Protective FFDO program, unmanned aircraft Crew Personnel Advanced Screening Officers (2001), plus 100 percent systems, cargo security, criminalization System (see update on “Known screening of checked bags (2010). of aircraft accidents, secondary cockpit Crewmember,” page 12). barriers, and trust-based security. The Association distributes the white Lasers: ALPA supports government, papers to journalists, lawmakers, and law enforcement, and industry efforts key decision-makers in government to enact agencies. federal legislation (2007 and a speed limit below 10,000 feet, runway 2010) aimed performance requirements for wet/con- at thwarting taminated runways, and requiring airport the growing wildlife management plans (2005). All problem of these improvements bore ALPA’s stamp. cockpit laser The FAA selected ADS-B as the basis illumina- for surveillance in NextGen (2006), and tions. The ADS-B became operational in Canada in legislation 2009. A few airports built new runways, would make shining a laser at an and new airport technology, notably aircraft a federal crime. runway status lights, was installed at ALPA ARCHIVES ALPA several airports because of ALPA’s strong support. EMAS, the “crushable concrete,” approaches in both Canada and the U.S. data gathering and information sharing was installed at more runway ends and ALPA played an important role in through the development and expan- saved more airliners from potentially developing new training and emergency sion of the Aviation Safety Information fatal accidents. procedures—including upset maneuvers Analysis and Sharing (ASIAS) program. New legislation included congressional training, a new smoke/fire/fumes check- New rules and regs entered the mandates for overhauling regs on pilot list template, runway safety awareness books: In the U.S., a stricter TCAS MMEL selection, qualifications, and training (2006), and steep-approach procedures (2000), tougher jet engine certification (2010) and those dealing with flight-time and technology (2006). standards for bird ingestion (2003), and duty-time limits and minimum rest The number of ASAP and FOQA and new standards to reduce fuel tank requirements (2010). programs grew substantially, signaling an flammability (2003). Transport Canada In sum, much to be proud of, and a industry shift toward nonpunitive safety added a host of new regs—mandating solid foundation for the “Twenty-Teens” reporting and widespread voluntary ACAS and establishing the approach ban, and beyond.

28 Air Line Pilot June/July 2011 Safety, Security, and Technology

CanJet Pilots Credit Training and ALPA Support in Handling Attempted Hijacking

More than two years have passed through it is something else,” Murphy said. trauma on our own,” said Johnson. since the pilots and cabin crew of For nine hours, during which time the “Support is a tremendous healing CanJet Flight 918 made interna- hijacker alternated between demands mechanism.” tional headlines after an armed for jet fuel and bribes and making “As professional airline pilots, our man, 20-year-old Stephen Fray, death threats, Johnson became the sole first priority is the safety and security broke through security at Sangster interface between the hijacker and the of our passengers, crews, and cargo,” International Airport in Jamaica Jamaican authorities. Eventually, as a said Adamus. “Most people think hi- and attempted to hijack the Halifax- result of Johnson’s persistent efforts to jackings occur only in the air, and this bound flight while still at the gate. communicate with Jamaican hostage incident highlights the importance of Capt. Jim Murphy and F/O Glenn negotiators, a special forces team suc- being vigilant on the ground.” Johnson expected the April 19 redeye cessfully stormed the B-737-800 and Capt. Michael McCarthy, CanJet’s flight to go smoothly, as there were apprehended Fray. chief pilot, commented: “I feel very no reports of inclement weather or After the hijacker was handcuffed proud when I think about the extraor- delays. But before the pilots could and arrested, the crew was flown back to dinary efforts made by Capt. Murphy complete their preflight check, com- Halifax and met by Capt. Dan Adamus and his crew to manage an extremely motion in the main cabin sent the (Jazz), ALPA’s Canada Board president, difficult situation. CanJet flight crew lead flight attendant to the cockpit and Capt. Murray Munro (Jazz), ALPA’s training is designed to assist crews requesting that Murphy help stabilize Canadian Pilot Assistance Committee exposed to threats, and I find it an unruly passenger. chairman. The CanJet Master Executive particularly reassuring that this crew’s “I went back to talk to the pas- Council, ALPA’s National Security high standard of performance senger to tell him to settle down,” said Committee, and ALPA Critical Incident reflects the efforts we make to Murphy, “and the next thing I knew, Response Program representatives were prepare our crews to handle he pulled out a gun and held it to my also on hand security threats.” forehead.” to help the Fray was found guilty on As the flight attendant was describ- pilots and 8 of 10 gun-related ing the passenger to Johnson, he saw cabin Fray pull the gun out of his pocket. “I crew. “Our immediately reached for the cockpit goal was to

door and slammed it shut,” said mitigate the amirand Johnson, a new hire who had just crewmembers’ completed ground school. Flight 918 ç ois C © F ran would have been his second flight as a CanJet pilot. The hijacker was threatening to stress and shoot Murphy if the cockpit door make them aware of the symp- charges brought against him as a wasn’t opened. “My first thought toms of post-incident stress and result of the hijacking, including was how to get this guy off the plane how to handle the trauma,” said Munro. shooting with intent, illegal posses- without him pulling the trigger,” said “The support we received from our sion of a firearm and ammunition, Murphy. Fray was making demands company and from ALPA was first-rate,” robbery with aggravation, assault at for jet fuel and proceeded to move said Murphy. “ALPA representatives were common law, and breaches of the toward the cockpit door while keeping on hand almost immediately after the Civil Aviation Act. He was sentenced the gun aimed at Murphy’s forehead incident to help us get through what had to 83 years in prison and is cur- and threatening to shoot. At one point been the most traumatic event of our rently serving a maximum of 20 during the standoff, Fray fired a shot lives.” years, as the sentences are to run at Murphy, narrowly missing his head. To this day, both pilots remain concurrently. “As professionals, we are trained to grateful for the support they received. —Lynn Konwin, ALPA Senior deal with this kind of thing, but living “We weren’t left to deal with this Communications Specialist

June/July 2011 Air Line Pilot 29 Airliners

By Jan W. Steenblik, Technical Editor New silhouettes joined ramps, runways, and routes in the last decade arket pressures push a relent- A340: technologies to assess their value for enhanc- less drive to develop new l Designed to carry 380 passengers in the ing safety, capacity, and operational efficiency airframes, engines, avionics, longest fuselage of any aircraft yet built, the throughout Boeing fleets. M first A340-600 left Toulouse in July 2002. l On Jan. 28, 2003, Boeing delivered and aircraft systems that are more ef- l First deliveries of the A340-500, then the a suite of three display and flight manage- ficient, safer, have greater dispatch reli- longest-range airliner in the world, began in ment software packages for the B-737—the ability, and are easier to maintain. Many 2003. vertical situation display, navigation per- older airliners fly in revenue service for formance scales, and integrated approach years or decades after their production A380: navigation. l On Apr. 27, 2005, the A380, which l May 12, 2005: Boeing delivered line closes, but eventually, newer technol- Airbus described as “the flagship of the 21st the global positioning landing ogy supplants old. century…capable of carrying 525 people in system on a Next-Generation Here are some of the highlights from a three-class configuration,” flew its maiden B-737. the years 2001–2010: flight. l Boeing launched the l Airbus delivered the first A380, fitted newest member of the Airbus with 471 seats in three classes, including Next-Generation B-737 A300: l Airbus delivered the last A300 to FedEx Express in July 2007, marking the end of the A300/A310 production line, which began in May 1969.

A318: l First flight occurred on Jan. 15, 2002. l First delivery (to Frontier Airlines) was in October 2003. A380 l In September 2009, Airbus delivered the first of two A318s equipped with steep ap- proach capability to British Airways for opera- tion on long-haul flights between London City Airport and New York’s JFK Airport. individual suites for premium passengers, to family, the -900ER (a higher-capacity, longer- Singapore Airlines on Oct. 15, 2007. Airbus range derivative of the -900), on July 18, 2005. A319/320/321: President and CEO Tom Enders called the First delivery, to Indonesian airline Lion Air, l In 2009, Airbus began offering its advanced A380 “unquestionably the defining aircraft occurred on April 27, 2007. sharklet wingtip devices as optional equip- of its generation.” Ten days later, the airplane l On Jan. 30, 2006, Boeing offered carbon ment on new-production A320-series aircraft flew its first revenue flight, from Singapore brakes on Next-Generation B-737s. Delta took to provide lower fuel burn, reduced emissions, to Sydney. delivery of the first such airplane, a -700, on and increased range. l Emirates Airlines took delivery of its first Aug. 1, 2008. l In December 2010, Airbus announced new A380, configured for 489 passengers, on July l Boeing launched the B-737-700ER on Jan. fuel-saving engines as an option on the A319, 28, 2008. The airplane was the first of what 31, 2006, with an order conversion from ANA A320, and would become an order for 90 A380s—the for two airplanes. Boeing delivered the first A321. largest order by a single airline. -700ER to ANA on Feb. 14, 2007. Designated l On May 8, 2001, a new option, “blended” the A320neo, this op- Boeing/McDonnell Douglas winglets, entered revenue service with Hapag- A320neo tion involves a choice Lloyd Flug. of CFM International’s LEAP-X and the Pratt & The last McDonnell Douglas airliners left the Whitney PurePower PW1100G. The A320neo assembly lines, ending production of the MD- B-747: also incorporates sharklet wingtip devices. The 11 (February 2001) and the B-717, née MD-95 l Seattle saw final deliveries of two whale sharklets and the new engines reduce fuel (May 23, 2006). models, the -400M (2002) and the -400F consumption by 15 percent, add two metric (2009), and the rollout to final delivery of tons of additional payload, extend range as B-737: the -400ER (2002–2003) and -400ERF much as 500 nm, and lower operating costs, l On July 23, 2000, Boeing rolled out the (2002–2009). Boeing launched and flew the engine noise, and emissions. -900, which flew for the first time on Aug. 3, B-747-8F and began building the prototype 2000. Certificated in March 2001, the first passenger version, the -8. A330: airplane was delivered to Alaska Airlines on l The freighter version of Airbus’ s first May 16, 2001, and entered service 11 days B-757: fly-by-wire widebody twin, the -200F, made its later. l The B-757 production line closed after first flight on Nov. 5, 2009. In April 2010, the l On Mar. 19, 2002, Boeing unveiled the 1,050 of the type were built. Boeing delivered European Aviation Safety Agency awarded Technology Demonstrator, a -900 equipped the last Seven Five to Shanghai Airlines on

Airbus a type certificate for the airplane. with a suite of new and emerging flight deck Nov. 28, 2005. W ikipedia C ommons , E mbraer , B ombardier A erospace B oeing , : A irbus , C redits P hoto 30 Air Line Pilot June/July 2011 Airliners

New silhouettes joined ramps, runways, and routes in the last decade B-777: and anhedral. The CRJ700 boasts l Similarly, three new models of the Triple an average TAS of 450–500 ERJ 145 Seven—the -220LR, the -300ER, and the knots, a big increase from the CRJ200. freighter version—entered service in 2006, l Air Canada Jazz (now Jazz) was the 2004, and 2009, respectively. launch customer for the CRJ705, which seats 75 passengers, in 2005 B-787: because of a scope clause agree- l Boeing built prototypes of the B-757’s ment between Air Canada and replacement, the B-787 Dreamliner, and began Jazz. Jazz operates 16 CRJ705s and is currently Embraer certification test flights with a first flight in the only operator of this type. December 2009. l The CRJ705 and CRJ900 now come stan- The last decade saw the Brazilian manufac- Bombardier Aerospace dard with an “enhanced performance pack- turer introduce four new passenger jets that, age” incorporating structural, aerodynamic, unlike the ERJ 135/145 family, came with Dash 8: and system changes for improved airfield underwing engines and substantially more l Bombardier built the last Dash 8-100 series seats. The E-170/175s are the base model airplane, a -102, in 2005. airplanes, with the E-190/195s l Q200 and Q300 production ended being stretched versions in May 2009. having different engines and larger wings, horizontal stabilizers, CRJ200: and landing gear. The two families have l A variant of the CRJ200 called the identical fuselage cross-sections and CRJ CRJ440, limited to avionics, featuring the Honeywell Primus 44 seats, was certi- Epic EFIS suite. The E-190/195 series fied in October airplanes have capacities similar to those 2001 and entered service with of the first versions of the B-737 and DC-9, Northwest in January 2002. performance and lower fuel burn. which have always been considered mainline l In 2007, Bombardier launched the CRJ900 airliners. CRJ700/800/900/1000: NextGen to replace the initial version. Mesaba l Joining the ERJ 135/145 family, the ERJ l The CRJ700, a stretched 70-seat derivative was the launch customer and remains the 140 entered commercial service in July 2001. of the CRJ200, made its maiden flight in May largest operator of the CRJ900 NextGen. American Eagle operates the majority of the 1999 and was delivered to inaugural customer l On Feb. 19, 2007, Bombardier launched ERJ 140s built, including the first to be delivered. Brit Air/Air France in January 2001. Versus the the CRJ1000 as a stretched CRJ900 with as The ERJ 140 is a shortened ERJ 145, seating CRJ200, the CRJ700 featured a new wing with many as 100 seats. The CRJ1000 completed 44 passengers, 6 fewer than the ERJ 145. leading edge slats and a stretched and slightly its first production flight on July 28, 2009, in l The Embraer 170 prototype rolled out on widened fuselage, with a lowered floor. Montreal. Oct. 29, 2001, with its first flight on Feb. 19, l In January 2003, the largest member of the l In 2008, Bombardier replaced the CRJ700 2002. First E-170 delivery, to launch customer Bombardier CRJ family—the CRJ900—was with the CRJ700 NextGen. LOT Polish Airlines, was in March 2004. delivered to Mesa Airlines. The CRJ900, a l On Nov. 10, 2010, Transport Canada and l First flight of the stretched E-175 was in stretched 76- to 90-seat version of the CRJ700, the European Aviation Safety Agency awarded June 2003. The first E-175 went to Air Canada has leading edge slats, FADEC, a longer wing- type certificates to the CRJ1000. On Dec. 14, and entered service in July 2005. span, and a horizontal tail with increased span 2010, Bombardier began deliveries to Brit l First flight of the E-190 was on Mar. 12, Air and Air Nostrum. The FAA granted a type 2004; first flight of the E-195 was on certificate on Dec. 23, 2010, allowing the type Dec. 7, 2004. to operate in U.S. airspace.

B-747-8F

June/July 2011 Air Line Pilot 31 Turning Points

By John Perkinson, Staff Writer

he first decade of the 21st cen- destruction. These events have global airlines. During 2009, concerns about a tury was a watershed period in ramifications. Airline travel is suspended U.S.-based H1N1 influenza pandemic also Tthe history of air transportation. until new screening methods for embark- arise, although by year’s end, these fears The threat of terrorism was a recurring ing passengers can be implemented, ease. The Centers for Disease Control theme, forever changing the way the air- and the U.S. and Canadian governments and Prevention report that nearly one line industry approached security. And the declare a war on terrorism. Countries American in six has been infected, and economic downturn of the last decade from around the globe join this effort. like the SARS outbreak of 2002, this oc- brought bankruptcy filings and consolida- As a result of a decrease in demand for currence has a tremendously detrimental tion, with companies hoping that stronger, air travel, airlines retrench, triggering effect on the airline industry. leaner airlines would be better positioned the furlough of more than 7,000 ALPA to take on future challenges. members. 2003 The following events highlight some  Low-cost airlines continue to enter of the significant turning points in the 2002 the market. In response, Delta and airline industry during this extraordi-  Among the largest and first airlines to United try to compete in this specific narily challenging time: file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy after 9/11 market. In 2003, Delta introduces Song, is United Airlines on December 9. Many and United introduces Ted in 2004. 2001 carriers in both Canada and the United Atlantic Coast Airlines also attempts to  Delta pilots capture an industry- States will follow suit (see “Bankruptcy capitalize on this popular industry niche, leading contract on the heels of the Rears Its Ugly Head,” below), but United’s converting from a fee-for-departure United pilots’ action represents the largest airline operation to a low-cost carrier in 2006, contract signed bankruptcy in U.S. history. United will not but all three efforts eventually fail. the previous year. emerge from bankruptcy protection until  The final commercial flight of the Comair pilots Feb.1, 2006, making it the longest airline Concorde, the supersonic passenger also continue Chapter 11 filing in history. Throughout airliner, takes place the trend of substantially improving the decade, airlines use bankruptcy laws on May 30. Air France contracts at affiliated carriers, despite to compel pilots and other organized makes this final journey, having to initiate an 89-day strike to employee groups to make labor contract flying from Paris to New York. get there. concessions. The devastating effects of The Concorde entered airline  On September 11, 19 al-Qaeda mem- bankruptcy for ALPA members include service in 1976, and many believed bers commandeer four airliners, flying pay cuts of more than 40 percent, job it would launch a new era of air two into the World Trade Center towers losses through airline cutbacks, working travel. However, poor fuel efficiency in New York and the third into the more days per month, and pension and limited passenger capacity make it Pentagon in Arlington, Va. Passengers freezes and terminations. unattractive for many airlines. aboard the fourth airliner intervene,  A near-pandemic outbreak of severe foiling plans to attack a fourth target, acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) occurs 2005 and the aircraft crashes into a field near in Asia between November 2002 and July  On January 18, Airbus unveils the Shanksville, Pa. For the first time, ter- 2003, drastically disrupting international A380 in an elaborate ceremony in rorists use aircraft as weapons of mass travel for already financially troubled France. This ultra-long-range, double- decker aircraft usurps the world’s largest passenger aircraft, the Boeing 747, Bankruptcy Rears Its Ugly Head which held that honor for decades. On Oct. 25, 2007, Singapore Airlines oper- During the last decade in which Air Cargo, Hawaiian, Independence Air, ates the inaugural service flight of the bankruptcy filings peaked in 2005 with Kitty Hawk Air Cargo, Mesa Air Group, A380. more than 30 percent of U.S. airlines Mesaba, Midway/Midway Commuter/ in Chapter 11, many airlines whose Midway Airlines, Northwest, Piedmont, pilots ALPA represents filed for bank- PSA, Skyway, Sun Country, Tower Air, 2006 ruptcy, including Air Canada Jazz, Aloha, TWA, United, and US Airways. Several of  In November 2006, the International American Trans Air, Atlas Air/Polar Air these airlines filed for bankruptcy more Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) revises Cargo, Canada 3000, CCAir, Champion, than once, and some did not survive the maximum retirement age for certain Comair, Delta, Emery Worldwide, Gemini the decade. airline pilots in international operations

32 Air Line Pilot June/July 2011 Turning Points Collective Bargaining Gains Steam ALPA’s pattern bargaining work recovered sick leave, premium and international pay, and gained steam as the bankruptcy reserve duty, and other quality-of-life items. era and bankruptcy court control of ne- The Alaska Airlines agreement in 2009 gotiations wound down in 2006. It’s no buttressed Delta contract patterns with coincidence that the pattern continues to big pay increases (between 12 and 27 and with management, establishing improve when pilots follow the time-test- percent, depending on seat position and alternative approaches to seniority list ed steps of visualizing favorable patterns, longevity) and demonstrated how ALPA integration proceedings and sequenc- applying ALPA’s financial and professional negotiators are successfully refocusing ing after concluding joint collective staff resources, and working together to attention on the importance of retirement bargaining agreements. This approach is seek improvements across the industry. and insurance issues. Alaska pilots secured In fact, the four cornerstone areas the choice of three retirement options for followed during the Atlantic Southeast/ of an ALPA contract—pay, job security, the future, along with significant improve- ExpressJet, Pinnacle/Colgan/Mesaba, and work rules, and benefits—all improved ments in short- and long-term disability Continental/United mergers. in the new bargaining cycle starting with coverage, and a 50 percent increase in  In July 2008, oil prices peak at nearly the 2006 FedEx Express contract, which employer-paid life insurance. $150 a barrel, which triggers sizeable included significant improvements in all Later in 2009, pilots at Hawaiian areas (see below). negotiated pay increases that continued airline losses, capacity cutbacks, and At Delta, the new joint collective to improve upon and support the pay shutdowns, including six airlines with bargaining agreement provided hourly patterns set at Delta and Alaska while ALPA-represented pilot groups. pay rate increases of nearly 17 percent enhancing the contributions made to their over a four-year period for “South” pilots defined-contribution retirement plan. 2009 and even higher percentages for “North” In 2010, AirTran pilots achieved major pilots (whose pre-merger pay was lower pay increases—with first officer rates  The pilots of US Airways Flight 1549 than the rates at Delta), as well as defined- increasing an average of more than 25 ditch their A320 in the Hudson River contribution retirement plan percentages percent—significant scope improve- in New York City on Jan. 15, 2009, after that increase from 11 to 14 percent during ments (helpful in the ongoing Southwest bird strikes cause a loss of engine thrust the life of the agreement. In addition, the merger), and retirement contribution during climbout. All 155 passengers and combined pilot group bargained for equity increases. Spirit pilots preserved industry- worth 6 percent of the company and leading provisions regarding time off and crewmembers survive, and the pilots negotiated better job security, per diem, scheduling in their contract. are globally recognized for their leader- ship and quick thinking. Capt. Chesley Sullenberger becomes an international from age 60 to 65, which ultimately leads and health-care benefits, stronger job hero. to changes for ICAO member states security provisions, enhanced work  On February 12, Colgan Air Flight around the world. The previous age 60 rules, and the establishment of a 3407 stalls on approach to Buffalo rule had been in place in the United unique Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Niagara International Airport, crashing States since 1959 (see “Retiring Age Association (VEBA) structure to reim- in a nearby community and killing 60—The Time Line,” page 20, regarding burse retired pilots for the cost of medi- all 49 people aboard and another on ALPA’s role in this action). cal premiums. More than 94 percent the ground. The ensuing investigation  Despite the challenges of the post- of the pilots approve the contract, with raises serious questions about pilot 9/11 era, FedEx Express pilots manage to more than 93 percent of the eligible hiring, licensing and training standards, negotiate a new contract that contains pilots voting. professionalism, compensation, and industry- fatigue. In response, U.S. President leading pay, 2008 Barack Obama in August 2010 signs improved  On January 1, Northwest Airlines into law the Aviation Safety and Federal retirement merges into Delta Air Lines. Delta Aviation Administration Extension Act of becomes the largest airline in the 2010 (PL 111–216), which among other world. ALPA pilots from both airlines provisions increases the training and proactively work together to ensure a experience required of new pilots before smooth and successful transition and they can be hired. a mutually acceptable seniority list integration process. The success of the 2010 Delta/Northwest merger sets the founda-  Despite experiencing the second tion for the Association’s approach to recession of the decade in 2008–2009, mergers, including emphasizing pilot the U.S. airline industry rebounds quickly participation at the outset of the merger, to post profits based on new-found establishing protocols and process discipline in managing capacity and agreements between pilot groups pricing. and wikipedia commons archives alpa PHOTOS:

June/July 2011 Air Line Pilot 33 ALPA’s Heritage: A Monopoly of Pilot Groups

By John Perkinson, Staff Writer

rom the word F , ALPA has played an important role in the history of North Ameri- can air travel. Pick any ALPA pilot group—from a founding pilot group like National Air Transport (United) to the Associa- tion’s most recent members from Canadian North— and you’ll find airline pilots overcoming the challenges of their day, using every avenue to advance their airlines and their profession. With their unique operational perspective, extensive train- ing, and invaluable experience, ALPA pilots have always been at the top of their game, contributing to air transportation from inside the cockpit and out, and leaving nothing to CHANCE. For eight decades, ALPA members have been major players, guiding air travel through its many turns, from the post-airmail period when carriers began trans- porting passengers to the post-World War II/four-engine-aircraft era, when inter- national markets began to emerge, to the proliferation and mainstreaming of jet aircraft in the 1960s to the post-deregulation era with its emphasis on compe- tition and, most recently, the periods before and after 9/11. More than 200 different pilot groups have taken their place at the ALPA table, contributing to the Association’s rich heritage. Many of these airlines took the short line, being acquired by or merged with other airlines or rebranded to be- come one of the Association’s current 39 member pilot groups. Join us as we take a walk on the boardwalk of ALPA properties, looking back at the wide range of ALPA pilot groups and the eras in which their airlines began operations.

34 Air Line Pilot June/July 2011 ALPA’s Heritage: A Monopoly of Pilot Groups

Post-World War II Era 1945–1957

World War II introduced a number of new aircraft developments that would lead to four-engine airliners—aircraft that could fly longer routes to new international destinations. However, the size, speed, and complexity of these innovative airplanes would also raise questions about crew complement, pilot fatigue, and a host of new operational issues. ALPA carrier TWA begun its transatlantic service on Feb. 6, 1946, with a New York-to-Paris flight using the new Lockheed Constellation. The Constellation was the first cabin-pressurized airliner in widespread use and included many Post-Airmail Period enhancements, necessitating a third set of hands in the cockpit. 1925–1944 New aircraft also provided opportunities for ALPA air cargo outfits like Slick Airways and the Flying Tiger Line and United Airlines, which carried both passengers and freight. By 1925, U.S. Post Office aircraft were delivering 14 million letters and packages a year. However, the Contract Air Mail Act of 1925 would relieve the government of this duty, transferring airmail ALPA Carriers began Operations Challenger Airlines 1947 operations to private couriers. Early ALPA carriers like Western Flying Tiger Line 1945 Los Angeles Airways 1947 Air Express and Northwest Airways would rapidly expand their Northern Consolidated Airlines 1945 Pacific Northern Airlines 1947 operations. Just five weeks after its first airmail flight, Western Air Robinson Airlines 1945 Trans Texas Airlines 1947 Trans Caribbean Airways 1945 Capital Airlines 1948 Express began transporting passengers. The Douglas DC-3 was the Aloha Airlines 1946 North Central Airlines 1948 workhorse of this era. But early airline operations were hazardous American Air Export and Piedmont Airlines 1948 undertakings, with frequent mechanical and weather-related Import Company 1946 Wisconsin Central Airlines 1948 mishaps, and numerous instances of pilots being pressured to California-Eastern 1946 Bonanza Air Lines 1949 fly under less-than-safe conditions. ALPA was founded in 1931 Capitol International Airways 1946 California-Central Airlines 1949 largely to address safety concerns as many pioneering pilots lost Emery Worldwide Airlines 1946 Central Airlines 1949 their lives in accidents. Empire Airlines 1946 Lake Central Airlines 1949 First Air 1946 Mid-West Airlines 1949

ILLUSTRATION BY ERIC DAVIS BY ILLUSTRATION Mackey Airlines 1946 Pacific Southwest Airlines 1949 Modern Air Transport 1946 Southern Airways 1949 ALPA Carriers began Operations Boston-Maine Airways 1931 Monarch Air Lines 1946 US Airlines 1949 Florida Airways 1923 Henson Airlines 1931 Pacific Air Lines 1946 Frontier Airlines 1950 Delta Air Lines 1925 Pennsylvania Air Lines 1931 Pioneer Air Lines 1946 Overseas National Airways 1950 National Air Transport 1925 Chicago & Southern Air Lines 1933 Reeve Aleutian Airways 1946 Ozark Air Lines 1950 Western Air Express 1925 Pacific Seaboard Airlines 1933 Resort Airlines 1946 San Juan Airlines 1950 Western Airlines 1925 Polar Air Cargo 1933 Riddle Airlines 1946 New York Airways 1951 Martz Airlines 1926 Varney Speed Lines 1933 Seaboard World Airlines 1946 Mohawk Airlines 1952 Northwest Airways/Airlines 1926 Alfred Frank 1934 Slick Airways, Incorporated 1946 Ross Aviation 1953 Varney Air Lines 1926 American Airlines 1934 Southwest Airlines 1946 Chicago Helicopter Airways 1956 Boeing Air Transport 1927 Long and Harmon Airlines 1934 Transocean Air Lines 1946 Saturn Airways 1959 Century Air Lines 1927 National Airlines 1934 Trans Pacific Airlines 1946 Trans American Airways 1950s National Parks Airways 1927 TACA Airways 1934 West Coast Airlines 1946 Tag Airlines 1958 Pan American World Airways 1927 United Airlines 1934 Aerovais Sud Americana 1947 Wien Air Alaska 1927 Varney Air Transport 1934 Colonial Airlines 1928 Columbia Airlines 1935 Hanford’s Tri-State Air Lines 1928 Cordovo Airlines 1936 Canadian Colonial Airways 1929 Mid-Continent Airlines 1936 Inter-Island Airways 1929 Pennsylvania-Central Airlines 1936 Kohler Aviation Corporation 1929 American Export Airlines 1937 Ludington Line 1929 American Overseas Airlines 1937 Pan American-Grace Airways 1929 Allegheny Airlines 1938 Rapid Air Transport 1929 Marquette Airlines 1938 United States Airways 1929 Alaska Coastal Airlines 1939 Braniff Airways 1930 Caribbean-Atlantic Airlines 1939 Continental Airlines 1930 Ellis Air Lines 1940 Eastern Airlines 1930 Northeast Airlines 1940 Inland Air Lines 1930 Hawaiian Airlines 1941 Trans World Airlines, TWA 1930 Alaska Airlines 1944 Wyoming Air Service 1930 June/July 2011 Air Line Pilot 35 ALPA’s Heritage: A Monopoly of Pilot Groups

The Jet Age 1958–1978

With the advent of jets, air travel grew in leaps and bounds. Models like the Boeing 707 and the Douglas DC-8 slashed international travel times in half while providing greater passenger comfort. ALPA carrier Pan American World Airways was the first airline to use the B-707, offering service from New York to Paris starting on Oct. 26, 1958. The introduction of jets revolutionized air travel so rapidly that aircraft like the B-707 became victims of their own success. Within 10 years, this aircraft was too small to manage increased passenger demands on the very routes it was designed to serve. The second generation of jet aircraft, like the B-747, would enable airlines to transport more passengers even greater distances. The Deregulation Phase ALPA Carriers began Operations Cascade Airways 1969 Superior Airlines 1960 Crown Airways 1969 1978–1990 Trans International Airlines 1960 Golden West Airlines 1969 San Francisco/Oakland Mississippi Valley Airlines 1969 The Airline Deregulation Act was passed on Oct. 24, 1978, remov- Helicopter Airlines 1961 Royale Air Lines 1969 ing the airline industry’s utility-like status and fully exposing it to Calm Air 1962 Tradewinds Airlines 1969 Airlift International Airlines 1963 Air New England 1970 market forces. Government control of airfares, routes, and new Bearskin Airlines 1963 Hughes Air West 1970 airline entry into the marketplace would cease. Unfortunately, de- Commuter Airlines 1964 Texas International Airlines 1970 regulation led to heavy losses and labor conflicts at many airlines. Crown Air/Dorado Wings 1964 Aeromech 1971 Between 1978 and mid-2001, nine major airlines, including ALPA Imperial Airlines 1964 Air Florida 1972 carriers America West, Braniff, Continental, Eastern, Midway, Pan Prinair 1964 Air North 1972 Am, and TWA, and more than 100 other airlines went bankrupt Air California 1965 American Trans Air (ATA) 1973 or simply shut down operations—including many of the start-up Air Midwest 1965 Chaparral Airlines 1973 airlines created during this period. To streamline route structures Air Wisconsin 1965 FedEx Express 1973 and capitalize on capacity, many mainline operators like ALPA Aspen Airways 1965 Ryan International Airlines 1973 Pennsylvania Airlines 1965 Kelowna Flightcraft 1974 carrier Delta Air Lines developed hub-and-spoke systems to replace Pocono Airlines 1965 Mesaba Airlines 1974 much of their former point-to-point flying. Altair Airlines 1966 Empire Airlines, Inc. 1975 Metro Airlines 1966 Evergreen International Aviation 1975 ALPA Carriers began Operations Presidential Airways 1985 Universal Airlines 1966 GP Express (GPX) 1975 Air Transport International LLC 1979 Air Nova 1986 Wright Air Lines 1966 Midway Airlines 1976 Atlantic Southeast Airlines 1979 Midway Connection 1986 Ransome 1967 Comair 1977 AvAir 1979 Pan Am Express 1986 Suburban Airlines 1968 Pioneer Airlines 1977 Republic Airlines 1979 Air Ontario 1987 ASTAR Air Cargo 1969 Precision Valley Aviation 1977 Simmons Airlines 1979 Air Transat 1987 Transamerica Airlines 1979 Aloha Island Air 1987 USAir/US Airways 1979 Canadian Airlines 1987 WestAir 1979 CCAir/ Carolina Commuter 1987 AirBC 1980 ExpressJet Airlines 1987 DHL Airways 1980 North Pacific Airlines 1987 Mesa/Mesa Air Group 1980 StatesWest Airlines 1987 PSA 1980 Air Alliance 1988 America West 1983 Canada 3000 1988 Jetstream International Airlines 1983 Allegheny Commuter 1989 Sun Country 1983 Atlantic Coast Airlines 1989 Tower Air 1983 Canadian North 1989 Air Atlanta 1984 CommutAir 1989 American Eagle 1984 Independence Air 1989 Brockway Air 1984 Trans States Airlines 1989 MarkAir 1984 Trump Shuttle 1989 Midwest Express 1984 Wasaya Airways 1989 Business Express (Atlantic Air) 1985 North American Airlines 1990 Express Airlines I 1985

36 Air Line Pilot June/July 2011 ALPA’s Heritage: A Monopoly of Pilot Groups

ALPA Carriers began Operations Canadian Regional 1991 Colgan Air 1991 Emerging Markets, Post 9/11 FloridaGulf Airlines 1991 Sunaire Express 1991 1991–today Reno Air 1992 USAir Shuttle 1992 The decades both before and after 9/11 were marked by war and Atlas Air 1993 Spirit Airlines 1993 global recession. Both periods experienced some airline industry Liberty Express Airlines 1994 growth, but the effects of globalization were beginning to change Skyway 1994 the nature of airline operations. As deregulation began to settle, Champion Air 1995 the 1990s witnessed the emergence of regional airlines, which Mountain West 1995 provided service to smaller communities and fed passengers into Capital Cargo International mainline hub operations. ALPA carriers like Comair and Express Airlines 1996 Airlines I (Pinnacle) expanded their operations exponentially with AirTran 1998 the introduction of regional jets like the Bombardier Canadair Zenith Airways 1990s CRJ100 in the 1990s. However, the events of 9/11 devastated Air Canada Regional 2001 Air Canada Jazz/Jazz Air 2002 the airline industry, leading to widespread bankruptcy filings, CanJet Airlines 2002 consolidation, and ongoing concerns about terrorism. Amid these Freedom Airlines 2002 difficult years, ALPA low-cost carriers like CanJet and Spirit began Pinnacle Airlines 2002 to take advantage of new market opportunities. Compass Airlines 2007

June/July 2011 Air Line Pilot 37 Ten+ Airlines We Miss By ALPA Staff

(We can’t list them all. To read a more Midwest: On detailed listing, go to www.alpa.org/ Nov. 2, 2009, decadeinreview.) hundreds of Midwest Airlines the tribute to the pilots of Northwest Air BC, Air Nova, Air Ontario, Airlines at www.alpa.org/decadeinreview. and Canadian Regional: In 2002, all merged into Air Canada Regional, Skyway: Pilots flew the airline’s final now called Jazz Air. two flights on April 5, 2008, ending nearly two decades of passenger airline service for the Milwaukee region. Management’s decision to sell the airline resulted in approximately 380 full-time and part-time Aloha: Filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy on Skyway employees losing their jobs. March 20, 2008, and abruptly ceased its passenger service on March 31 after 61 The crew of the last Midwest flight. TWA: One of the original “Big Four” years of service. On April 28, the cargo —the four large, full-sized passenger division was shut down, and the com- pilots, flight attendants, and their fami- airlines that evolved from the historic pany and its lender supported liquida- lies greeted the crew of Flight 210 to mail carriers of the 1930s—TWA flew its tion under Chapter 7. On May 12, 2008, mark the end of the airline. As a result, last flight on April 9, 2001. It ranks as the bankruptcy court judge King granted the all Midwest pilots were furloughed. Scan oldest continuously operating airline in Chapter 7 trustee’s motion to reject all the QR code to watch the farewell video. the U.S. with 71 years of service. Read of Aloha’s collective bargaining agree- the two-part farewell to TWA at www. ments, including the one with ALPA, and Northwest: An ALPA trailblazer, with alpa.org/decadeinreview. approved the motion to sell the cargo bragging rights of having the first-ever assets to Saltchuk Resources, Inc. ALPA council (Council 1), Northwest merged with Delta Air Lines on ATA (American Trans Air): Declared October 30, 2008, creating the (then) bankruptcy for the second time in four world’s largest global airline. Read years in the late-night hours of April 2, 2008. It shut down all operations a few The Only ‘ALPA Airline’ Ever The terms “ALPA airline” and “ALPA carrier” get used a lot, but they’re misnomers. Admittedly, those terms are shorter and less cumbersome hours later, leaving more than 2,200 than the phrase, “airline whose able routes. It was, in the words of employees out of work and stranding flightcrew members are represented ALPA historian George E. Hopkins, unsuspecting vacationers and military by ALPA.” And everyone knows that “an absolutely unique experiment in personnel around the world. ALPA has never owned and operated the annals of modern labor disputes.” an airline—or has it? After losing almost $1 million, ALPA Gemini Air Cargo: One of the largest Actually, it has—once. On June 5, ended Superior’s operations in March aircraft, crew, maintenance, and insur- 1960, the pilots of Southern Airways 1962. ance (ACMI) operators worldwide, began a bitter, two-year strike against To learn how ALPA won the Gemini ceased owner Frank Hulse. ALPA bankrolled a Southern strike—and the eternal operations on rival business, Superior Airlines, flying lessons of that epic struggle—go to Aug. 8, 2008, eight-passenger de Havilland Doves www.alpa.org/epubs and read chapter putting 225 in head-to-head competition with 18 of Flying the Line by George crewmembers Southern on the latter’s most profit- E. Hopkins. on the street. PHOTOS: ALPA ARCHIVES, WILLIAM A. FORD, wikipedia commons FORD, WILLIAM A. ARCHIVES, ALPA PHOTOS:

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