The British Airline Pilots’ Association (BALPA) has welcomed the result of an employment tribunal which highlights the importance of good industrial relations and is a valuable win for its members and the trade union movement as a whole. 

Scrapping pre-departure tests welcome but UK aviation needs its own booster

BALPA demands Winter Resilience Fund for aviation companies to cover shattered confidence in winter travel
 

BALPA welcomes the reduction in restrictions on arrivals from red list countries, but urges further Government action

BALPA News: BALPA Response to Travel Regulations

BALPA response to AAIB report in to an incident on approach to Aberdeen earlier this year:
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/aaib-special-bulletin-boeing-737-800-g-fdzf-deviation-from-expected-flightpath-during-a-go-around-aberdeen-airport

BALPA writes to Government for support to weather the Omicron storm

BALPA's response to the new travel restrictions and variant.

Pilots call for Government to get off cloud nine and take more decisive action towards Jet Zero

BALPA advice to aspiring pilots as UK aviation faces another tough winter.   

BALPA supports IALPA’s call for the Irish Government to review the failures identified in the report into crash of R116

Members of the British Airline Pilots’ Association have elected a former pilot to the role of General Secretary of the organisation.  

Captain Martin Chalk, a former British Airways Pilot takes over the permanent leadership role at the union after a three-month stint as the Acting General Secretary.  

Chancellor 'drunk on prosecco and pubs', but no support for aviation in Budget

The British Airline Pilots Association (BALPA) and Norse Atlantic Airways (Norse), the new intercontinental airline, have entered into a new agreement that will deliver hundreds of jobs in the UK.

BALPA welcomes the reduction in restrictions announced by the Transport Secretary

The British Airline Pilots’ Association (BALPA) says it’s pleased the Government has listened to its calls to simplify the traffic light system and remove some of the barriers to international travel. BALPA has also called on Ministers to help rebuild public confidence in a phenomenally safe mode of travel.  

With new figures showing that air transport is the sector most reliant on furlough, pilots are imploring the Government not to remove the vital lifeline.

New survey shows 98% of pilots do not have confidence in Transport Secretary’s support for aviation 

As the Government is clearly incapable of effectively regulating international travel, BALPA is now demanding a round table discussion with the Transport Secretary, Home Secretary, Chancellor and Prime Minister.

Pilots who’ve faced huge pay cuts to help Ryanair though the COVID crisis are asking why they’ve been overlooked when it comes to the airline’s recovery.

BALPA response to updated traffic light system

BALPA response to BA short haul at LGW

New data, analysed by the British Airline Pilots Association (BALPA) shows UK aviation is suffering more than European competitors and needs urgent Government help.  

New low-cost airline is a glimmer of light for aviation amidst COVID gloom

With just 50 days to go until the end of furlough, BALPA is highlighting the potential devastation to UK aviation that the closing of the furlough scheme could cause.   

BALPA response to updated travel rules 5 August

BALPA response to updated travel rules for fully vaccinated EU and US passengers
 

BALPA writes to Government to end damaging inequality of UK and EU pilot licences

A major legal victory by The British Airline Pilots’ Association (BALPA), potentially worth a total of more than £35million pounds for 170 BALPA members, spells the end for the Pension Protection Fund (PPF) compensation cap.

BALPA Response to traffic light system news 14/07/2021

BALPA responds to today's update to international travel rules

BALPA writes to the Chancellor to call for an extension to furlough for aviation employees

BALPA response to Green List announcement

Pilots are urging politicians across the UK to pressure the Government to save the summer and secure the future for our national aviation and travel industry. As part of a Travel Day of Action on Wednesday, pilots are taking their message directly to MPs in Westminster, MSPs in Holyrood and MLAs in Stormont and taking part in activity atBristol, Belfast, Manchester, Luton and Heathrow airports.   

UK aviation industry is the ‘hardest hit’ in Europe by restrictions on international travel, an analysis of official European air traffic data for June 2021 by The British Airline Pilots Association (BALPA) has revealed.  

The British Airline Pilots Association has voiced its utter dismay at reports that no further countries are to be added to the green list for travel.

Commenting on the Government’s confused messaging around summer holidays, Brian Strutton, BALPA General Secretary, said:

“There’s no doubt that the public has been confused by the traffic light system for international travel, but we had hoped that Government Ministers at the very least would understand it.

The British Airline Pilots Association says its members are ready and waiting to take passengers safely to their destinations for some early summer sun.

BALPA calls for clarity and confidence amidst confusion and lack of international co-ordination

BALPA says Sturgeon’s wrong to say there must be a ‘good reason for adding a country to the Green List.’ 

This excess of caution from the Government is extremely disappointing for everyone who works in the travel sector and the millions of people who are desperate to jet away on holiday or business.
 

BALPA General Secretary Brian Strutton comments on the Transport Select Committee analysis of the Governments Global Travel Taskforce report.

The British Airline Pilots Association (BALPA) has said that the lack of concrete opening dates, the cost of required Covid tests and the lack of detail on tiers, means that not enough people will want to travel this summer to help the industry recover.

BALPA response to Scottish First Minister’s announcement about lockdown restrictions

The British Airline Pilots Association says it is pleased the Transport Committee has listened to its messages on the impact of COVID-19 on aviation and called for the Government to produce an urgent ‘sectoral restart and recovery plan’. 

BALPA response to news on APD

Yesterday it was announced that the Welsh Government was providing a grant of £42.6m to Cardiff Airport and forgiving a further £42.6m of debt in recognition of the importance of the capital city’s airport and the air transport industry to the country.

The British Airline Pilots Association (BALPA) has said it is ‘absolutely dismayed’ that aviation was ignored in the Budget announcement today. BALPA says the Government has failed to recognise the dire situation the travel industry is facing and invest in the industry that will be vital to the economic recovery post Covid. 

The British Airline Pilots Association (BALPA) has called for the Government to commit to a package of support for aviation in the Budget this week.

BALPA has written to the leaders of the Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish Governments urging a coordinated, UK-wide, four-nations approach to re-opening air travel.
 

BALPA says the Prime Minister’s announcement that international travel may be able recommence this summer is an essential lifeline, but that much more help is needed if this industry is to survive. 

Almost 7000 UK based pilots have today written to the Prime Minister ahead of the publication the Government’s roadmap for lifting restrictions to press for the inclusion of aviation, travel and tourism and for the urgent introduction of an Aviation, Travel and Tourism Recovery Plan that includes financial support. 

With a week to go before the Government is expected to announce its roadmap to COVID-19 Recovery, The British Airline Pilots Association (BALPA) has written to the Prime Minister (see attached) to highlight the acute crisis aviation is facing due to COVID-19 and to again call for a bespoke support package of support for the aviation sector. 

BALPA calls on Government to recognise that policies on borders, quarantine, testing and lockdown, followed by today’s statement from the Transport Secretary, that people should not book any holidays, mean the aviation industry is essentially shut down. 

BALPA responds to news that the British Government is working towards a ‘vaccine passport’.

The announcement on 14th January that Norwegian Air was stopping operations in the UK was a blow to its employees. Since then, more information has come to light which has raised questions about the company, and highlighted injustices for the employees.  

The British Airline Pilots Association (BALPA) has welcomed the Government announcement of a financial support scheme for airports , but has renewed its call for an aviation wide COVID-19 recovery plan.

BALPA response to Government announcement on closure of travel corridors

The British Airline Pilots Association (BALPA) has won a major legal victory against Ryanair in an initial court battle over the punitive actions of the airline against pilots who took industrial action in 2019.

BALPA has been advised that Norwegian Air plans to close its long-haul operation and focus on its short-haul network based in the Nordics, and that its UK-based pilots will be made redundant. Around 300 pilots and more than 1,000 staff in total will be affected.

BALPA calls for the Government to produce an action plan to clear confusion about measures to mitigate the COVID-19 crisis and to rebuild passenger confidence.

easyJet shareholders will be asked at the company’s AGM on Wednesday, 23^rd December, to approve new executive bonuses without any details about what will be used to trigger them.  

Responding to announcements by the Government yesterday of reduced quarantine periods for international travel and financial support for airports the British Air Line Pilots Association representing 10,000 U.K. commercial pilots broadly welcomed the news but said more help was still needed.

The pilots’ union, BALPA, is urging the Prime Minister and EU officials to publicly commit to signing a UK-EU air service agreement in order to keep planes flying, even if a broader trade agreement is unachievable. 

Pilots launch new ‘Most Wanted’ Safety Campaign

The pilot’s union, BALPA, has issued a warning to everyone who is thinking about embarking on a pilot training course – think again. BALPA has taken this extraordinary step to help avoid students paying upwards of £100,000 for training only to find there are no jobs available at the end.

The British Airline Pilots Association (BALPA), the airline pilots’ union, issues six demands of the Government

BALPA General Secretary, Brian Strutton, responds to news of BALPA response to news of Government restrictions on outbound leisure travel.

The British Airline Pilots Association has welcomed the introduction of rapid COVID-19 testing at Heathrow airport but says the scheme needs to be more widespread and cheaper.

BALPA response to news that a sale has been agreed for business and assets of Flybe Limited (in Administration) (“Flybe”)
 

BALPA response to news of proposed downsizing by Norwegian at London Gatwick

easyJet pilots and management have achieved a breakthrough in negotiations meaning that no pilots will be made compulsorily redundant. In June easyJet’s estimate was that 727 pilots were at risk of redundancy.   

BALPA has called for the Government to provide much-needed clarity for the aviation industry on Brexit. It is still not clear what agreements will be in place for the air travel industry to continue to operate between the UK and the EU from January onwards. There are also questions about pilot licences and employment rights which remain unanswered. 

The British Airline Pilots Association has criticised the payment of huge bonuses to airline bosses at a time when many pilots and staff are bearing the financial brunt of COVID-19 in the shape of redundancies, furlough and huge insecurity. 

BALPA’s General Secretary, Brian Strutton, has written to the Secretary of State for Transport, Grant Shapps, to ask him urgently to approve airport COVID-19 testing as an alternative to the punitive 14-day quarantine required for many inbound passengers. 

BALPA response to Virgin announcement

BALPA has welcomed an article by Willie Walsh in today’s [1 September 2020] edition of The Times in which he urges Britain to take down its ‘closed sign’ and use effective Covid testing as an alternative to punitive quarantine measures.

BALPA response to news of a £1.2bn rescue plan for Virgin Atlantic

BALPA has slammed easyJet for unilaterally shutting down formal redundancy talks which have been in progress for the last several weeks aimed at mitigating the need for compulsory redundancies.  

Jet2 has announced plans to make 102 pilots redundant across most of its bases. Jet2 is based at Leeds-Bradford airport and also has crew bases at Belfast–International, East Midlands, Edinburgh, Glasgow, London–Stansted, Manchester, Newcastle and Birmingham.

Pilots in British Airways have voted to accept the deal negotiated by BALPA in response to BA’s formal notification of 1255 pilot job losses and their threat to fire and rehire the remaining pilots on worse conditions.

With travellers expressing confusion over changing quarantine rules, the British Airline Pilots Association (BALPA) has again called for clarity from the Government on its border policies, which BALPA says are damaging the UK economy.

The British Airline Pilots Association (BALPA) says the Government needs to look again at its COVID-19 border policies which BALPA says are damaging the UK economy.

British Airways pilots to be consulted on job protection package

Over 2,000 easyJet pilots (99.9%) have voted overwhelmingly to express no confidence in the company’s Chief Operations Officer, Peter Bellew.

Following easyJet’s notification of 727 UK pilot redundancies and that they would be closing their bases at Newcastle, Southend and Stansted, pilots have demanded a ‘vote of no confidence’ in the airline's Chief Operating Officer, Peter Bellew, who joined easyJet from Ryanair in January

Following the announcement that easyJet intends to make 727 pilots redundant, management have put forward further proposals which pilots say could undermine key flight safety principles.

BALPA says the Government announcement on travel corridors and relaxation of quarantine, is a good first step on the path towards getting the aviation industry back on its feet. 
 

Pilots union BALPA announced today that its members employed by Ryanair in the UK have voted overwhelmingly to accept temporary pay cuts to save jobs that were under threat.

BALPA expresses shock at the size of potential job losses at easyJet, which equates to nearly 1-in-3 of easyJet pilots in the UK. 

The Leeds-based airline Jet2 has informed its pilots and BALPA, who represent them, that they intend to make 102 pilot redundancies.

The report from the House of Commons Transport Select Committee released today (Saturday 13 June 2020) on the impact of Coronavirus on aviation is absolutely damning of BA in particular, and raises serious and urgent questions about the need for the Government to change tack.
 

Back bill to end “fire and rehire” pilots union urges Government.

Ahead of the Chancellor appearing in the House of Commons this afternoon to talk about support for the aviation sector, pilots union BALPA said the Government now needs to get a grip of what’s happening in this vital sector.

BALPA responds to news of potential job losses at easyJet

Pilots say they fear the Government still has no strategic plan for how to help aviation through the coronavirus induced crisis, after evidence was given at to the Transport Select Committee today. 

The Irish airline Ryanair, which recently accepted £600m in funding from the Bank of England, today confirmed that it is proposing to make up to 336 pilots in the UK redundant. 

Following on today’s reports that Ryanair is telling office staff not to come back to work, the pilots union BALPA said they had received an ultimatum from the company to accept swingeing cuts in pay and conditions or face job losses.

BALPA has called on the Government to refine and clarify its proposed 14 day quarantine period for inbound travelers, which it says as currently proposed is far too blunt a tool.
 

The British Airline Pilots Association (BALPA) has announced that it was formally notified of proposed redundancies at BA CityFlyer this afternoon. The airline operates British Airways branded flights out of London City and Edinburgh Airports.
 

BALPA has expressed concern that statements expected today from the Chancellor and the Secretary of State for Transport could be a double whammy of bad news bringing further misery to the aviation sector.

The British Airline Pilots Association (BALPA) has reacted furiously to the news that the Government has announced £2bn in funding for cycling and walking while the British aviation industry is in a death spiral.

The pilots' union BALPA has asked to see details of any government proposals to restart commercial flying.

BALPA General Secretary, Brian strutton responds to news of job losses at Virgin Atlantic

BALPA writes to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, to demand a moratorium on job losses in aviation.

The British Airline Pilots Association has issued a ‘Mayday’ distress call for the aviation industry as Ryanair becomes the latest airline to announce potential job cuts and predictions of more to come.

BALPA General Secretary, Brian Strutton, responds to the news of Ryanair potential job losses

BALPA General Secretary, Brian Strutton has given his response to the latest news from British Airways
 

BALPA General Secretary, Brian Strutton, responds to the Brtiish Airways announcement of 12,000 possible job losses. 

Staff who lost their jobs overnight on 5th March through the collapse of Flybe have expressed dismay that they will fall between bureaucratic cracks, meaning they cannot take advantage of the Government’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (JRS). 

The British Airline Pilots Association says the Government must stop delaying details of the support it is offering to aviation through the coronavirus crisis.

Tonight the Government has announced that UK commercial airlines, including BA, easyJet, Virgin, and Jet2 will be assisting in the repatriation effort to bring Brits stranded abroad back home.

The British Airline Pilots Association (BALPA) has issued a cautious welcome to the Government’s clarification on support for employees who are ‘furloughed’ with no work, but says there should also be support for people forced onto reduced hours and pay. This would mirror the protections for the self-employed.

The Chancellor’s scheme to support the self-employed through the coronavirus crisis [announced this evening 26^th March 2020] is welcome. But the fact that the self-employed can, rightly, continue to work and earn at a reduced level, and still get significant grants, simply serves to highlight the fact that employed workers cannot.

The British Airline Pilots Association says there are serious technical issues with the Government’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS), that need to be sorted out now. 

The British Airline Pilots Association (BALPA) says talks are ongoing with airlines and the Government to look at how best to support the aviation industry though the current coronavirus crisis.

The British Airline Pilots Association (BALPA) has warned that UK airlines will be winding down next week and staff will be laid off before the Government support scheme is ready.

Today the Department for Transport and all major transport-focused trade unions held the first in a series of Ministerial calls to discuss the impact of coronavirus on the transport industry and its workers.

The British Airline Pilots Association (BALPA) has called for details of a Government support package for aviation, that is being put together now, to be released swiftly.

BALPA extremely disappointed that some BA pilots are facing redundancy
 

The British Airline Pilots Association (BALPA) has said that without significant government support now there may not be a UK aviation industry left. The pilots’ union wants the government to look ahead to the end of the crisis and recognise the crucial role aviation will play in helping power the recovery.

The British Airline Pilots Association (BALPA) says the Government must act immediately to support the UK airline industry, which is creaking under the pressure of the effects of coronavirus.
 

The British Airline Pilots Association (BALPA) says it is dismayed that its calls for a temporary removal of APD has not been addressed in the budget. The government has instead increased APD for long-haul flights and forecasts bringing in an extra £400m from the tax over the next two years.

The British Airline Pilots Association (BALPA) says the Government and EU must act now to put in place measures to support the aviation industry through the unprecedented, difficult times that have been brought about by Coronavirus.
 

Ahead of the budget, British pilots promp the Government to focus on encouraging people to save for their retirement. 
 

The British Airline Pilots Association (BALPA) has called on the Government to take urgent action in next week’s budget to help the vital aviation industry through what is likely to be an extremely difficult summer.

The British Airline Pilots Association (BALPA), which represents the pilots of Flybe, has made contact with the company’s administrators and will be exploring with them which parts of the airline can be rescued.
 

BALPA General Secretary, Brian Strutton reacts to the news that Flybe has ceased trading.

British pilots are urging the Government to do all it can to get airport expansion plans back on track after campaigners won a Court of Appeal ruling over plans for third runway at Heathrow on environment grounds.

As part of National Apprenticeship Week (3-7th Feb) BALPA is challenging the Government and airlines to fully implement an apprenticeship scheme for pilots that would help remove financial barriers and open up the career to a more diverse population.

BALPA welcomes the commitment by the aviation industry to cut carbon emmisions.

BALPA (The British Airline Pilots Association) is urging the EU and UK negotiating teams to come to an early agreement on aviation in the forthcoming talks. During the post-Brexit transition period to the end of 2020 the UK and EU must negotiate new trading arrangements or default to WTO rules. However, there are no WTO rules for aviation and so both the UK and EU must reach a deal for aviation whatever else is happening.

As the Unmanned Aircraft Bill goes before parliament for a second reading, The British Airline Pilots Association (BALPA) says new European research backs BALPA’s concern that the number of drone flights in controlled airspace is being underestimated.

BALPA welcomes news of a rescue package for Flybe.

BALPA has called on the Government to do whatever it takes to ensure Flybe carries on connecting the nations and regions of the UK.

The British Airline Pilots Association representing all Flybe pilots has reacted angrily over reports that secret talks have been going on over the future of Flybe and up to 1,500 jobs.

BALPA has welcomed the publication of a NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) by the Department for Transport advising airlines not to enter Iraqi or Iranian airspace. We expect all UK airlines to follow that advice.

A ballot of British Airways pilots closed today following the dispute over pay and terms and conditions.
 
Members of the British Airline Pilots Association (BALPA) employed by BA voted nearly 9 to 1 to accept the final agreement which was proposed by ACAS and recommended by BALPA and its BA reps.
 

The British Airline Pilots Association (BALPA) is urging airlines to take a leaf out of Jet2’s book and respond to the Baby on Board campaign by implementing enhancements to maternity pay and provisions for parents. 

The British Airline Pilots Association has welcomed the CAA’s (Civil Aviation Authority) drone registration scheme, which comes into effect today, saying it hopes the new rules will help to improve airspace safety.

The British Airline Pilots Association (BALPA) has welcomed the latest announcement from the Government on its counter-drone strategy.

The British Airline Pilots Association says answers given today by former Thomas Cook managers during a hearing of the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) select committee, will have done little to comfort the staff who lost their jobs. 

The British Airline Pilots Association has welcomed today’s announcement from TUI.

BALPA General Secretary, Brian Strutton says it "is disgraceful" that Thomas Cook employees have not been paid for work done up until the company went into liquidation on Monday 23^rd September.

According to today’s profit warning by IAG, British Airways lost £120m as a result of strike action which they could have avoided for £5m; not allowing for the huge cost of disruption to passengers and freight users.

BALPA has learnt that Condor, the wholly owned German airline subsidiary of Thomas Cook, is being given six months financing by its Government to secure its own rescue deal. Despite its parent and UK subsidiaries going into liquidation on Monday morning, Condor was given £350m capital to continue to operate.

BALPA responds to news of Thomas Cook collapse
 

BALPA questions how the German airline Condor, part of the Thomas Cook group, is able to keep flying while the UK airline has been immediately grounded.

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.

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

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. 

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.