Source: ALPA On Sunday, September 3, 2023, the WestJet Encore Master Executive Council (MEC) of the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA) announced to WestJet Encore management its intention to open contract negotiations on the pilot group’s second collective agreement. “Our pilot group leaders and Negotiating Committee have been working hard over the last several months to come in fully prepared on day one of negotiations,” said Capt. Carin Kenny, WestJet Encore MEC chair. “While the MEC remains optimistic that we can negotiate a fair contract with management in a reasonable amount of time, we are only half of the equation.” Based on clear direction from the pilot group, the ALPA negotiators are steadfast in their commitment to solving three major [...]

Source: UK CAA New report commissioned by UK Civil Aviation Authority highlights accessibility issues with airline websites Report shows British Airways ranked as the best performing for web accessibility amongst the 11 largest airlines operating in the UK The report was published by the regulator to drive improvements in digital accessibility across the aviation sector, where passengers increasingly rely on websites and apps as their main point of access to the aviation market. The Airline Digital Accessibility Report, commissioned by the UK Civil Aviation Authority and undertaken by Hassell Inclusion, reviewed the websites of the 11 largest airlines operating in the UK, rating them in terms of their technical accessibility as well as their ease of use for making bookings. [...]

Source: TSA Eligible passengers can use TSA PreCheck lanes when traveling from the United States on 90 airlines The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced today the expansion of its TSA PreCheck® expedited screening program with the addition of Cayman Airways, French bee, Titan Air and Zipair. With these additions, there are 90 TSA PreCheck participating domestic and international carriers. TSA PreCheck is an expedited screening program that enables low-risk travelers to enjoy a smart and efficient screening experience at more than 200 U.S. airports. TSA PreCheck passengers travel with ease and keep their shoes, belts and light jackets on and keep laptops, 3-1-1 liquids and food items in their bags. About 99% of TSA PreCheck passengers in dedicated lanes wait [...]

Source: ALPA Pilot leaders of Jazz Aviation, represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA), filed an unfair labour practice complaint with the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB). The complaint states that management of both Air Canada and Jazz Aviation LP violated several sections of the Canada Labour Code by refusing to comply with contractual pilot “flow” agreements from Jazz to Air Canada. ALPA also alleges both parties have violated certain provisions of the capacity purchase agreement (CPA) between Jazz Aviation LP and Air Canada respecting Jazz’s exclusivity in the regional sector. “Jazz and Air Canada have increased system capacity at the expense of collective agreement violations,” said Capt. Claude Buraglia, chair of the Jazz chapter of ALPA. “We understand [...]

Source: US DOT Largest Fine Against a Carrier for Violating the Tarmac Delay Rule After DOT Investigation Uncovers Dozens of Violations The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) today fined American Airlines $4.1 million for violating federal statutes and the Department's rule prohibiting tarmac delays of three hours or more on domestic flights without providing passengers an opportunity to deplane. DOT's investigation found that American kept dozens of flights stuck on the tarmac for long periods of time without letting passengers off. DOT is ordering American to pay the largest fine ever issued for tarmac delay violations and cease and desist from violating the law. This fine is part of DOT's unprecedented effort to ensure the traveling public is protected, including [...]