BALPA responds to news of Thomas Cook collapse
 

BALPA calls on Government to insist bailed-out banks don't pull the plug on Thomas Cook

Pilots take the moral highgound in their dispute with Ryanair by calling off five days of strike action

UK Ryanair pilots have been told by the airline that benefits will be removed should they take part in current strike action, which started yesterday.

Ryanair’s UK pilots say they want shareholders to take the airline to task over the abysmal approach to industrial relations which has led to continued unrest amongst its pilot workforce.

The British Airline Pilots Association has today called off the next strike scheduled for 27th September in the dispute between British Airways and its pilots.

BALPA has reiterated its support for Thomas Cook management’s plans to sell its airline business to the Chinese company, Fosun.

We understand that BA has started cancelling its operations on the 27^th of September today outside of the 14 day window to avoid having to compensate affected passengers.

The British Airline Pilots Association says the two-day strike action (Monday 9th September to Tuesday 10th September 2019) has been a powerful demonstration of the strength of feeling of BA pilots.

The British Airline Pilots Association reports that strike action was supported virtually 100% in a dispute over pay and benefits.

British Airways pilots will take strike action tomorrow in a clear message to the company’s managers that they will not be fobbed off in their dispute over pay and benefits.
 

The British Airline Pilots Association says it could call off proposed strikes set for 9th and 10th September if British Airways agrees to come back to the negotiating table.

Ryanair members of the British Airline Pilots Association have announced further strike dates following the company’s refusal to seek conciliation talks at ACAS to resolve the dispute.

BALPA has corrected BA’s spin that there are talks planned with its pilots’ union to settle the current pay dispute. There are currently NO talks planned.
 

The British Airline Pilots Association (BALPA) has today given notice to British Airways that it will call on its members to strike on 9th, 10th and 27th September 2019.

Ryanair pilots down tools in long running dispute

The High Court today heard Ryanair’s attempt to stop pilots employed by them in the UK from taking strike action as planned tomorrow and Friday [22nd and 23rd August] as well as from 2nd to 4th September.
 

Following their victory in the High Court earlier today, BALPA offered an olive branch to Ryanair as a way of moving forward - a framework to allow constructive negotiations to take place which, if agreed by Ryanair, would avoid the need for strikes.

The British Airline Pilots Association has said that because Ryanair has wasted time with unnecessary court action, their chance to resolve the dispute involving their pilots has been lost. Instead Ryanair is relying on legal technicalities to try to persuade the High Court to block the strike.

Pilots union BALPA says Ryanair intends to drag their current pilot dispute into the courts, rather than the negotiating room, as they seek an injunction to stop pilots striking next week.

The British Airline Pilots Association (BALPA) has called on Ryanair management to meet for conciliation talks at ACAS (the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service) to resolve the current dispute with its pilots.

The British Airline Pilots Association (BALPA) has today set strike dates for UK-based Ryanair pilots following an industrial action ballot which closed today.

BALPA praises the professional job done by the pilots and crew of BA 422 which was involved in the incident in Valencia yesterday.

Talks between BALPA and BA to resume next week

The Court of Appeal has rejected British Airways’ attempt to injunct BALPA’s proposed industrial action on a technicality. The legality of BALPA’s ballot has been affirmed.
 

The British Airline Pilots Association has said it is pleased it has successfully defended an application for a High Court injunction brought against it by British Airways in relation to its strike ballot of members.

BALPA’s industrial action ballot members in British Airways has now closed, with a 93% vote in favour of industrial action on a 90% turnout.

The British Airline Pilots Association (BALPA), announces it will be balloting its members for possible industrial action.

Pilots union BALPA welcomes Thomas Cook restructuring announcement and calls on government to support the plan

North Sea helicopter pilots employed by CHC Scotia have today voted in favour of taking industrial action in a dispute over pay.

BALPA celebrates winning bid to host prestigious meeting of the world’s piloting community.

Jet2 members of pilots’ union British Airline Pilots’ Association (BALPA) would like to see the airline recognise the need for improved work-life balance through fairer rostering patterns, rather than a pay rise.

The British Airline Pilots Association has submitted an application for judicial review against the Pension Protection Fund (PPF) and the Department of Work and Pensions.

• Skyteam pilots support campaign for better pilot rest facilities in Virgin Atlantic, and send solidarity to sacked Avianca pilots
• The Skyteam Pilots Association (SPA) meeting today in London has focussed on two vital issues – pilot rest in Virgin Atlantic, and support for dismissed pilots in Colombia.
• The Skyteam Pilots Association is a coalition of 16 unions representing pilots in airline members of the Skyteam Alliance.

Pilots remind drone operators about new laws that mean they could face jail if they fly too close to airports

BALPA has responded to the CAA's announcement on 737 Max aircraft.

As the world marks International Women's Day, The British Airline Pilots Association is urging the aviation industry to take immediate steps to tackle gender equality by supporting its campaign for better maternity pay for pilots.

BALPA response to the Government announcement on drones

BALPA welcomes the first ever apprenticeship standard for commercial airline pilots in the UK.

A statement from The British Airline Pilots Association on the collapse of airline FlyBMI.

The British Airline Pilots Association has responded to a statement from Ryanair. 

The British Airline Pilots Association (BALPA) is calling for airlines to encourage women in to the industry by improving maternity pay. BALPA says the current level of statutory maternity pay, offered by most airlines, is an obstacle that puts women off joining the profession.

The British pilots association, BALPA, which represents Ryanair pilots in the UK, has accused the airline of using the threat of base closures to bully its staff.

The British Airline Pilots Association (BALPA) has responded to the announcement that airline Flybe has found a potential buyer, saying it now needs to meet the consortium behind it to get more information.

The British Airline Pilots’ Association has responded to the latest drone incident at Heathrow, which saw flights temporarily grounded.

Today’s announcement from Chris Grayling that drone restrictions zones around airports are to be increased, and police given extra powers to deal with the drone threat, has been welcomed by the UK pilots’ association.

BALPA gives pilots advice on avoiding drone collisions in the wake of the Gatwick incident
 

The British Airline Pilots Association (BALPA) has responded to reports that Gatwick has been closed due to multiple drone sightings.

BALPA General Secretary, Brian Strutton adds to comments on the Gatwick drone incident.

BALPA responds to comments from Michael O’Leary, CEO Ryanair, in the Times this weekend

With drones high on many christmas lists, Bristih pilots remind them of the dangers and consequences of flying irresponsibly

BA has allowed employees to become disconnected from airline’s success, say unions.

Hear how pilots are at the forefront of a new masterclass aimed at tackling trafficking and modern slavery

The British Airline Pilots’ Association (BALPA) has responded to the overnight news that Flybe has put itself up for sale with a strong message to any potential buyers.

BALPA has responded to misrepresented claims in the media that a Flybe pilot was dismissed for fear of flying. 

The British Airline Pilots’ Association (BALPA) says the Government should bring forward its programme of drone education and registration in the wake of a near miss over London that could have had disastrous consequences.

The British Airline Pilots’ Association has today (Friday 19^th October) responded to a statement from Eddie Wilson of Ryanair, saying that the airline had signed an agreement with BALPA on seniority and base transfer agreement.

The British Airline Pilots’ Association has responded to the news that Gatwick plans to use its emergency runway to increase capacity.
 

Pilots’ union warns politicians of the dangers of ‘sleeping on the job’ when it comes to fatigue culture

The British Airline Pilots’ Association (BALPA) says new Government guidance for the aviation industry published today on what would happen in a no-deal Brexit has brought some much-needed clarity.

The British Airline Pilots’ Association (BALPA) is highlighting difficulties aspiring pilots have in funding their training.

The British Airline Pilots’ Association, the recognised union for pilots employed by Ryanair in the UK, has made a statement on behalf of the pilots it represents urging the airline’s shareholders to replace CEO Michael O’Leary and Chairman David Bonderman.

The British Airline Pilots’ Association (BALPA) has received the support of Congress in response to the organising campaign by pilots and other staff at Ryanair.

The British Airline Pilots’ Association (BALPA) has responded to the Government announcement on increased stop and search powers for police, which includes a focus to help to tackle laser attacks on aircraft and those flying drones irresponsibly near airfields.
 

BALPA calls on the Government and aviation industry to put in place measures to help turn great A-levels into great careers; like being a pilot.

The British Airline Pilots’ Association is calling for the Government to change tax rules in relation to self-funded, work-related training that it says are no longer fit for the modern economy. 
 

We reveal who won in BALPA's Aircraft World Cup.

Pilots are urging the Government to strengthen new drone laws that come in to force today, saying the restrictions don’t go far enough to eliminate the threat of a serious collision. 
 

Following the release today of the final report on the mystery of the missing Malaysian Airlines MH370 flight, the British Airline Pilots’ Association (BALPA) has said that this should put to bed all the unfair speculation around the role of the pilots and also urged the industry to invest in new technology.

The battle is on as the 747 takes on Concorde in the Aircraft World Cup hosted by the British Airline Pilots’ Association.
 

The British Airline Pilots' Association responds to the news the Government is to consult on new measures to prevent the misuse of drones.

The British Airline Pilots’ Association (BALPA) warns passengers to not get carried away with their pre-flight drinks as the busiest day of the year for UK air travel approaches. 

BALPA General Secretary, Brian Strutton, comments on today’s announcement from Ryanair that they intend to reduce their Dublin based fleet by 20%.
 

The British Airline Pilots’ Association (BALPA) has responded to the publication of the interim review into the Monarch Airlines insolvency, saying it is disappointed staff haven’t been considered.

BALPA warns the public to take note of new laser laws which could leave them facing jail time if caught using the devices irresponsibly

British pilots are reminding the public that in just one-month new laws will mean they could face jail if they shine a laser at an aircraft. 

Pilots have welcomed the Government’s announcement on Heathrow Airport expansion today. 

Pilots have responded with alarm to the announcement of new laws on drones, saying they’re pleased the Government is taking steps but the restrictions need to go much further to make the use of drones near airports safe.
 

In response to the rise in drone near-misses, UK pilot and air traffic control bodies have worked together to create guidance in avoiding collision.

Over 400 pilots are expected to attend Flight Crew Futures on Wednesday, where BALPA will be giving expert advice to pilots who are looking for work or considering a career move. 

Following BALPA's ongoing campaign to tackle laser misuse, we have today received welcome news that the new Laser Misuse (Vehicles) Act has been given Royal Assent.

This means the new laws will come into force and give police more powers to catch those who shine lasers at aircraft and tougher punishments for those caught. 

BALPA has secured a recognition agreement with CAE Crewing Services to provide representation to the company’s UK SAS pilots. 

The British Airline Pilots’ Association (BALPA) has today launched its bid to host an international conference for the world’s pilots in Manchester in 2021.

The UK pilots’ association has said that the only thing that should matter for wannabe pilots is ability, not gender, background or financial situation. 

BALPA has called for reassurances from Ryanair that all Glasgow based pilots will receive preferential access to relocate when their base closes later this year. 

The British Airline Pilots’ Association (BALPA) and Ryanair have concluded and signed a voluntary trade union recognition agreement.

The UK pilots’ association has revealed that a recent member survey has shown that only one in ten pilots think Brexit will have a positive impact on the UK aviation industry.

BALPA has welcomed the announcement from the CAA that it will issue initial Class 1 Medical certificates to applicants with HIV, who want to become a commercial pilot. 

10 years after British pilots averted a major catastrophe when their aircraft lost all engine power on its approach to Heathrow, pilots are highlighting the importance of thorough crash investigation.

Tougher restrictions on the importation of high-powered laser pointers has been welcomed by the UK pilots’ association.

Pilots have welcomed reports that 2017 was the safest year in history for commercial airlines and say they will continue to do all they can to ensure flight safety.  

Pilots are reminding Christmas passengers to pack their presents with care to prevent dangerous lithium battery fires.

Tougher new laws are to be introduced to target those who use laser pens to attack transport operators, a move which has been welcomed by the British Airline Pilots’ Association (BALPA).

BALPA has today written to Ryanair to accept their offer to discuss recognising BALPA as the representative union for all their UK-based pilots. 

The British Airline Pilots’ Association (BALPA) has called for a full review into medical restrictions for pilots, calling current limitations ‘outdated’.

The statement from the EU commission on the ability for UK flights to operate in Europe should no deal be reached is cause for great concern, says the UK pilots’ association.

Final report on the 2016 Croydon tram crash serves as ‘a stark warning’ to the danger fatigue poses in transport.

The British Airline Pilots’ Association (BALPA) has cautiously welcomed reports that the Government intends the UK to remain under European safety standards post-Brexit.

The British Airline Pilots’ Association has welcomed recognition in AirTanker, bringing union representation to the pilots in the company. 

BALPA is pleased the concerns of pilots about the risks of collisions with drones are being heeded at last. 

Following Philip Hammond’s Budget announcement of a review of airline insolvency arrangements to protect the public, pilots have raised concerns the proposals do not appear to include staff. 

A Flybe plane had to make an emergency landing this afternoon (Friday 10th November) at Belfast International Airport after a problem with the nose gear.

The British Airline Pilots’ Association has today written to the Government and Greybull Capital, owners of Monarch Airlines that went into administration on 2nd October, to encourage the company to prioritise paying staff the money they are owed. 

Pilots’ union calls on Monarch Airlines owners and Government to pay sacked staff what they are owed

The British Airline Pilots’ Association (BALPA) representing over 10,000 pilots in the UK has launched a survey among Ryanair pilots in response to growing dissatisfaction with the company. 

BALPA has welcomed the Government’s announcement that it is outlining the next steps in the expansion of Heathrow. 

The British Airline Pilots’ Association is calling for regulators to ensure the development of effective cabin air filters onboard aircraft. 

BALPA has negotiated new job opportunities for former Monarch pilots, with 30 companies coming forward with over 100 opportunities.

BALPA comment on suggestions by the Prime Minister that a Brexit ‘no deal’ was now an option,

CAE, BALPA and Unite the Union have jointly signed an agreement paving the way for union recognition in a new UK SAS base.

BALPA is calling on the government to investigate the circumstances surrounding the demise of Monarch Airlines and the role of the company’s former financial backers, the Mantegazza family and Greybull Capital. 

BALPA reaction to the news Bristow Helicopters is to make 12 pilots redundant

The British Airline Pilots’ Association has responded to a letter dated 5th October, sent by Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary to all his pilots.

Thomas Cook and BALPA have agreed to enter binding arbitration to end the dispute between the company and its pilots over pay. 

BALPA responds to reports of U.S helicopter collision with drone

The pilot vote on whether to take the dispute between Thomas Cook and its pilots to arbitration closes today.

BALPA has announced its intention to seek compensation on behalf of its members for the ‘shabby’ treatment of staff since the announcement of the company’s insolvency.

The announcement that Monarch Airlines has entered administration is devastating news for pilots. BALPA, which represents Monarch pilots, will be doing everything we can to support our members through this extremely difficult time.

BALPA statement: BALPA consulting members on way forward in Thomas Cook

The British Airline Pilots’ Association (BALPA) has confirmed that despite lengthy talks with Thomas Cook Airlines via ACAS, an agreement is yet to be reached and therefore Saturday’s strike action will go ahead.

Michael O’Leary, the Chief Executive of Ryanair, today said that pilot fatigue as a result of flying in short-haul operations does not exist, and that pilots fly a maximum of 18 hours a week. On both points we believe he is wrong.

The UK pilots’ association has urged Ryanair to do more to encourage pilots to stay with the airline, following news of its pilot holiday chaos. 

BALPA welcomes a new website that aims to help aspiring pilots navigate the pitfalls of entering the career.

The British Airline Pilots’ Association (BALPA) has raised concerns that the Governments movement towards ‘light touch’ regulation is inherently unsafe and puts public and employees at risk.

Thomas Cook pilots went on strike at 0300hrs on Friday 8^th September, over year-on-year, real-terms pay cuts, cuts to terms and conditions and frustration with the company’s intransigent stance during negotiation. It is the first strike by British pilots in more than 40 years. 
 

Pilots at Thomas Cook stood firm during the first UK pilots’ strike in over 40 years today. BALPA has now announced five days of ACAS talks and three new strike dates should those talks fail. 

British Airways pilots say they’re bitterly disappointed by the airline’s proposal to close the final salary pension scheme (New Airways Pension Scheme) to future accrual.
 

BALPA has successfully defended in the High Court the right of Thomas Cook pilots to take strike action, which is due begin at 0300 on Friday 8th September.

Pilots have welcomed a new NHS care pathway, which has been established to guide doctors on how to help pilots and crew who present with symptoms following ‘fume events’.  

The British Airline Pilots’ Association (BALPA) has today authorised a strike in Thomas Cook Airlines following a ballot in which 91% of pilots voted to take action in a dispute over their 2017 pay negotiations. 

As students across the country open their A-level results, the British Airline Pilots’ Association (BALPA) is calling for the airline industry to ensure pilot selection is open to all and that those from less advantaged backgrounds are not put off.

BALPA welcomes the Government's call for evidence in an effort to crack down on lasers. 

As pilots continue to ensure passengers get to their destinations during the record breaking busy summer season, BALPA is highlighting how demanding schedules are pushing the system to the limits.

The British Airline Pilots’ Association (BALPA) has responded to the publication on Saturday morning of the independent test results of drone collisions with aircraft.

BALPA has expressed disappointment at the news the next stage in delivering a new runway in the South East has once again been delayed. 

Pilots say more must be done before drone causes aircraft disaster, following incident at Gatwick

Despite “dangerously high” figures on laser attacks on aircraft, the new Government has dropped plans to introduce tougher laws, a move which the UK pilots’ association says is “infuriating and dangerous”.

Pilots say politicians need to take urgent measures to ensure the UK aviation is able to compete with its rivals globally.  The calls for politicians to step up decision making come as we approach the anniversary of the UK voting to leave the European Union. 

UK pilots say now the election is over politicians must turn their attention to urgent decisions on issues which effect UK aviation.

The British Airline Pilots’ Association welcomes the upcoming EU Transport Ministers’ debate on the “Social dimension of the aviation industry” (08/06/2017) which will look at tackling problematic employment practices. 

Proposed new US rules restricting personal electronic devices (PEDs) on board aircraft between Europe and the US may have a dangerous knock-on effect for other flight safety issues, the UK pilots’ association is warning.

A study from the TUC into international trends in insecure work shows an increase in casual, zero-hours and agency contracts is on the rise in most European countries. 

To mark Mental Health Awareness Week (8-14 May) pilots have spoken out on proposed new rules that could increase stigma around mental health in the sector.

As pilots around the globe mark World Pilots’ Day today (26th April), the British Airline Pilots’ Association (BALPA) is highlighting the hard work and dedication of pilots facing the challenges of modern-day aviation.  

BALPA’s reaction statement to the coastguard helicopter crash off the coast of Ireland.

Today marks the three-year anniversary of one of the most high-profile aviation mysteries of all time – the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines flight MH370. 

The British Airline Pilots’ Association (BALPA) says the number of laser attacks is still ‘dangerously high’ after the release of the total incidents reported last year.   

Airlines are not doing enough to address fatiguing rosters and this will lead to many UK pilots suffering ‘burnout’ according to flight safety experts at the British Airline Pilots’ Association

BALPA has praised the dedicated people working in the aviation industry, who they say are to thank for an increase in the growth in the number of passengers in 2016.

BALPA statement in response to the Government announcement that it is preparing a new UK aviation strategy

The British Airline Pilots’ Association has won an important case in the Court of Appeal on trade union rights against the Leeds-based airline, Jet2.

BALPA statement in response to the suspension of the MH370 search.

How does a plane land in snow? What problems can heavy wind cause? How does a pilot land when thick fog reduces visibility? A pilot gives some insight into how poor weather affects flights.

The British Airline Pilots’ Association (BALPA) has supported the decision to undertake immediate safety checks on S92 helicopters following an incident last month, but has urged the checks to be done as thoroughly and quickly as possible.

Pilots have cautioned that 2017 could see even more close calls involving drones and aircraft – or perhaps even a collision – as figures show reports increased by more than double on the previous year.

A consultation on drone safety was announced today by the Department for Transport and the move has been welcomed by pilots.

The announcement from the Scottish government committing to halving air passenger duty by 2021 is seen as a welcome move to pilots.

The British Airline Pilots’ Association, which represents almost 10,000 UK pilots, has responded to a survey of airline pilots released today.

An airline captain and member of the British Airline Pilots’ Association has accepted an apology from an airline after being sanctioned for refusing to fly due to fatigue.

A study of 7,200 pilots across Europe on safety culture, the largest ever conducted, has shown more than half of pilots lack confidence in the safety culture within their airline.

Pilots have expressed disappointment that any government decision on scrapping air passenger duty has been pushed until after Britain’s exit from the EU.

Pilots have joined MPs in urging the government to do away with air passenger duty in next week’s Autumn Statement.

A British pilot explains just how dangerous a bird strike might be to an aircraft.

A statement from BALPA on a reported drone near miss incident

A statement from the British Airline Pilots’ Association in response to the story on an air ambulance being targeted in a laser attack

Pilots have welcomed the announcement of an update to EU civil aviation safety rules to address the emerging risks of drones.

easyJet pilots have voted by 68% to 32% to accept the latest proposal put forward by the company, therefore bringing to an end the potential for industrial action.

BALPA General Secretary, Brian Strutton, gave a statement on today's announcement that Flybe CEO Saad Hammad will be leaving the airline. 
 

UK pilots have welcomed the Government’s “long overdue” indication of its preference to expand Heathrow.

BALPA's General Secretary, Brian Strutton, responded to the announcement of further delays to the decision on expansion at Heathrow.

BALPA welcomes the announcement of significant investment in Monarch by its shareholders and the renewal of its ATOL licence by the CAA. 

easyJet and BALPA have today discussed a set of proposals to mitigate pilot fatigue which will be put to pilots in a consultative ballot.

BALPA members in easyJet have voted overwhelmingly in favour of taking industrial action in a dispute over pilot fatigue.

The increase in laser attacks on pilots and drones near-misses with planes at UK airports has prompted pilots to call on aviation authorities for a greater commitment to improving regulation.

European aviation stakeholders are warning that the safety risks of drone operations may be seriously underestimated and deserve urgent attention

Pilots are calling on the Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union to bring certainty to the UK aviation industry following the vote for Brexit.

Pilots at the airline Norwegian, say they believe a spate of delays and cancellations is the result of poor planning and a lack of pilot recruitment at the airline.  

The new General Secretary of the British Airline Pilots’ Association has said he is looking forward to representing the piloting profession.

The man who rallied pilots to form the UK’s first pilots’ union has been hailed as a radical hero in a new exhibition at the People’s History Museum in Manchester this month.

The British Airline Pilots’ Association (BALPA) has welcomed the announcement in the Queen’s Speech that the Government will introduce new regulations on drones in a forthcoming Modern Transport Bill.

The French accident investigation authorities have today released their report in to the crash of Germanwings 4U 9525.

Brian Strutton has been appointed as the next General Secretary of the British Airline Pilots’ Association

The crew of Virgin Atlantic flight VS25 bound for New York took the decision to return to Heathrow after reportedly being attacked with a laser shortly after take off.

BALPA has joined forces with other offshore worker unions to form the Offshore Co-ordinating Group (OCG) in response to ongoing North Sea economic downturn.

Pilots say a spate of serious near misses involving drones highlights the need for urgent action to integrate them in to airspace safely and prevent a collision with other aircraft.