BALPA’s Annual Delegate Conference held over the weekend of 20th/21st November was, by popular consent, a hugely successful conference that got to grips with some tough issues and showed that, despite the economic battering of the past 12 months, BALPA has renewed energy and commitment to stand up for the profession.

The key debates are reflected in the attached NEC Newsbrief (with a further summary in the forthcoming Log) but in summary:

1. with the economic impact on aviation predicted to continue, we will focus in 2010 on protecting both jobs and terms and conditions and with LIFO a key principle when redundancy is unavoidable;

2. we will launch a new initiative to try and reverse the attack on the profession;

3. we will work to secure a national RZ pass to enable improved experiences for pilots going through security;

4. we will take an active role in improving the ability of pilot associations across Europe to influence regulators, law makers and employers;

5. we have a new Chairman and Vice Chairman with Mark Searle and Tim Pottage elected.