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CONTACT: Capt. Dennis Tajer, 847-902-8481/Gregg Overman, 817-312-3901
Allied Pilots Association Lauds H.R. 7148: “Provides Critical Support”
FORT WORTH, Texas (Feb. 5, 2026) — The Allied Pilots Association (APA), certified collective bargaining agent for the 16,000 pilots of American Airlines, expressed its appreciation for the bipartisan support for and enactment of H.R. 7148, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026.
“This funding legislation provides critical support and is essential to maintain the safety, reliability, and efficiency of our National Airspace System,” said First Officer Nick Silva, APA President. “This bill’s passage is a positive step for our nation’s aviation system and the millions of passengers who rely on it every day. This legislation provides critical resources for the Federal Aviation Administration and the aviation professionals who keep our skies safe.”
Among the provisions of H.R. 7148 beneficial to commercial aviation:
- Increases funding for the FAA by $1.588 billion.
- Provides the FAA with resources to hire 2,500 new air traffic controllers.
- Creates an internship program to benefit students and early-career participants in aviation, including pilot-related roles.
- Creates a veterans’ pilot training program that supports transitioning military aviators into civilian pilot roles.
“While the work to strengthen our National Airspace System and address longstanding challenges continues, APA remains ready to work with all stakeholders, as we did with the Administration and Congress to end the previous shutdown,” he said. “On behalf of the 16,000 pilots we represent, APA appreciates the bipartisan effort to move this bill forward and urges Congress to continue working together to support a strong, safe, and resilient aviation system.”
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.