Allied Pilots Association

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The APA Communications Department responds to media inquiries and requests for background information and interviews.


phone 817-302-2272
email APA Email Address

WHAT'S HAPPENING

APA Public Statements

APA President Update – May 2026

Last week, I took meetings in New York with four sell-side analysts who cover American Airlines as well as journalists from Bloomberg News. Despite the busy earnings season, these analysts were interested to hear what the pilots of American have to say, and they independently brought up two recurrent themes in our meetings – first, a collective agreement that American is dramatically underperforming its financial potential, and, second, that there is little faith among those who follow our airline and our industry for a living that our management team’s current plan will be able to fully close the financial gap between American and its global network peers. APA was welcomed to these conversations with these industry followers because we are viewed as both credible and professional in how we have chosen to address our concerns about the trajectory of our airline. We have been consistent in our messaging to all audiences, both inside and outside Skyview. Our message has focused on the same three themes for far too long: First, management’s lack of a long-term strategy and its short-term actions are causing our airline to fail to reach the full potential of its assets, network, and people. Second, the current state of the airline is unacceptable. We have seen little in terms of vision, culture change, and operational improvements to believe that meaningful positive progress can be achieved in an acceptable timeframe. And finally, APA is open to any path forward that allows us to work at an airline that values our leadership skills and professionalism, and creates an airline that not only competes but leads the industry and reinstates the pride of working for American Airlines, making our airline the first choice for passengers across the globe. So why did I choose to deliver this message now? Recently, Bloomberg News broke a story about United CEO Scott Kirby’s interest in a merger with our airline. Since that day, the questions and speculation have been abundant: Was Mr. Kirby seriously considering a merger with American? Could such a merger survive regulatory scrutiny? How would Mr. Kirby envision bringing our two airlines together? Four days after the Bloomberg story broke, the AA Corporate Communications and Investor Relations team put out a statement. The proclamation was not from Chairman Greg Smith, CEO Robert Isom, or Chief Strategy Officer Steve Johnson, but it declared that American was not interested in any potential merger with United Airlines. Last Monday, after American had publicly rebuffed his merger idea, Mr. Kirby issued a message to his employees and the public that I encourage you to read. After acknowledging American management’s swift rejection of any merger with United, he proceeded to describe why he believes such a merger would be transformative for both airlines and how it could withstand regulatory scrutiny. He articulated a bold vision for the future of air travel that could be transformative for our passengers, the communities we serve, and, foremost, the very people at American that our C-suite has chosen to disrespect: you. For now, it appears that Mr. Kirby’s vision will remain just an aspiration. However, while he may believe that American’s management has closed the door on him, the boldness of his ideas further underscores how far American has fallen behind our competitors, both domestic and international. As I repeatedly heard in New York last week, American continues to fail to reach its full potential as an airline and a business – or, worse, perhaps we have reached our potential, and this is as good as it gets. Either option is unacceptable for our pilots, and it’s clear that it will take bold ideas and real leadership to restore American to a true place of prominence among global airlines.  What’s next? Of late, AA management has been reaching out to APA more, but the main purpose is to inquire if anyone is trying to “get APA pilots on board with an alternative plan” for the airline. That answer is “Yes.” My phone rings every day with calls from people who are interested in hearing the thoughts and opinions of American’s pilots. However, the calls are not coming from the American Board of Directors or C-suite. It is my hope that all strategic alternatives that could propel our airline forward will receive fulsome reviews from American senior management versus a quick defensive dismissal. We will continue to be a credible resource for anyone who is interested in discussing ideas and hearing the thoughts and opinions of the American pilots – even while the AA Board remains uninterested in engaging with us – and we welcome those discussions. Your professionalism and engagement over the last few months have given APA the influence to speak on your behalf. And based on everything I am hearing, the next few weeks may very well require APA to make some important decisions about what we want the future of American to look like. I look forward to making you a part of that conversation. In Unity, FO Nick Silva APA President

Allied Pilots Association Applauds House Passage of ALERT Act

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT:  Capt. Dennis Tajer, 847-902-8481/Gregg Overman, 817-312-3901 Allied Pilots Association Applauds House Passage of ALERT Act FORT WORTH, Texas (April 15, 2026) — The Allied Pilots Association (APA), certified collective bargaining agent for the 16,000 pilots of American Airlines, commended the House Transportation box-sizing: border-box;">“This strong, bipartisan vote underscores a shared commitment to enhancing aviation safety and strengthening the systems that protect the flying public,” said First Officer Nick Silva, APA President. “We applaud Chairman Graves, Ranking Member Larsen, and members of the Committee and the full House for their leadership and dedication to advancing meaningful safety reforms.” President Silva characterized the ALERT Act as a significant step forward in modernizing aviation safety protocols, improving data sharing, and ensuring that pilots and regulators have the tools necessary to proactively address potential risks. He also emphasized the importance of embracing the precision of ADS-B In technology, which the Rotorcraft Operations Transparency and Oversight Reform (ROTOR) Act mandates. Unlike radar, ADS-B In allows pilots to receive data directly from surrounding aircraft, providing a comprehensive picture of nearby traffic on flight deck displays. “APA remains committed to working with lawmakers and industry stakeholders to ensure that the final legislation enhances aviation safety while supporting the pilots who uphold it every day, and we encourage the House and Senate to come together quickly to produce a final, unified bill incorporating the strongest elements of both ALERT and ROTOR,” President Silva said. “The traveling public and aviation professionals alike depend on a regulatory framework that reflects the highest standards of safety, transparency, and accountability.” Founded in 1963, the Allied Pilots Association – the largest independent pilots union in the United States – is headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas. APA’s membership includes several hundred pilots on full-time military leave of absence serving in the armed forces. The union’s website is AlliedPilots.org.

Rest in Peace to Our Fellow Aviators

Rest in Peace to Our Fellow Aviators Fellow Pilots, Overnight, two Air Canada Jazz pilots tragically lost their lives following a collision with an airport fire rescue vehicle that entered their runway on landing at LGA. Project Wingman is standing by at 817-823-7965 should you need support. These moments are never easy, and APA stands in support of our brothers and sisters over at Air Canada Jazz and ALPA during this difficult time. Rest in peace to our fellow aviators.

APA President Releases Statement on ROTOR Act and ALERT Act

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Capt. Dennis Tajer, 847-902-8481/Gregg Overman, 817-312-3901 APA President First Officer Nick Silva Releases Statement on ROTOR Act and ALERT Act FORT WORTH, Texas (Feb. 20, 2026) — Allied Pilots Association (APA) President First Officer Nick Silva released the following statement regarding the ROTOR Act and Alert Act: “On behalf of the 16,000 pilots of American Airlines, the Allied Pilots Association (APA) expresses our support for the Rotorcraft Operations Transparency and Oversight Reform (ROTOR) Act. This critical legislation is a long-overdue step toward modernizing our national airspace and ensuring the safety of every pilot, passenger, and crew member. “The tragic midair collision on Jan. 29, 2025, involving American Airlines Flight 5342 and a military helicopter underscored a dangerous gap in our aviation infrastructure. To prevent such a tragedy from ever happening again, we must move beyond outdated systems and embrace the precision of ADS-B In technology. “While the FAA currently requires ADS-B Out in certain airspaces, the ROTOR Act rightfully mandates that all aircraft already equipped with ADS-B Out must also carry ADS-B In by December 31, 2031. Unlike radar, ADS-B In allows pilots to receive data directly from surrounding aircraft, providing a comprehensive picture of nearby traffic on flight deck displays. “While we do have concerns over language instituting membership for rulemaking, review, and consultation at FAA, the ADS-B In requirements in this legislation are too important. I would like to personally thank Chairman Ted Cruz for his steadfast leadership on this issue and his commitment to address our concerns and work with the FAA Administrator to ensure that independent pilots’ labor has a seat at the table in implementing the ROTOR Act. By collaborating with the pilots trained in ADS-B technology and approved by the FAA Administrator to utilize it, implementation of these recommendations will be grounded in the practical, front-line experience of professional pilots.  “APA also expresses support for the introduction of the Airspace Location and Enhanced Risk Transparency (ALERT) of 2026 Act. This legislation represents a critical step forward in ensuring our National Airspace System remains the safest and most efficient in the world. Thank you to Chairman Graves, Ranking Member Larsen, Chairman Rogers, and Ranking Member Smith for their commitment to an inclusive legislative process. By ensuring that input from all pilot labor groups is integrated into the final language, the House has demonstrated its understanding that those on the front lines of aviation are best positioned to identify and address emerging safety risks. “The inclusion of labor’s voice ensures this bill is not just a policy document, but a practical tool that supports aviation professionals in their daily mission. We are particularly encouraged to see provisions that prioritize transparency and operational integrity, which are essential for maintaining the safety and reliability our passengers expect. “To that degree, ADS-B In technology needs to be integrated into all Part 121 aircraft as in-panel display and connected to the flight management system, validating the NTSB findings and recommendations. APA remains dedicated to working alongside Congress in advancing both pieces of legislation and reinforcing a culture where safety is never compromised for the sake of profit and where the expertise of professional pilots remains central to federal oversight.” Founded in 1963, the Allied Pilots Association – the largest independent pilots union in the United States – is headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas. APA represents the 16,000 pilots of American Airlines, including several hundred pilots on full-time military leave of absence serving in the armed forces. The union’s website is AlliedPilots.org.

Inquiries and Requests

Contact Information

Pilot Spokesperson

Captain Dennis Tajer

phone 847-902-8481 email APA Public Email Address

Director of Communications

Gregg Overman

phone 817-302-2250 email APA Public Email Address

Communications Editor

Dan Koller

phone 817-302-2251 email APA Public Email Address

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