JetBlue Pilots Call on Airline to Deliver Contract Now

LONDON – JetBlue Airways pilots, represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA), met with JetBlue management this week in an effort to reach a short-term contract extension with economic improvements.

The parties have two additional bargaining sessions in the next month, where the pilots are calling on management to recognize their contributions to the airline’s success during one of the most turbulent times in the industry’s history.

“While JetBlue management looks toward a merger, JetBlue pilots must first receive the contract they have earned,” commented Capt. Chris Kenney, chair of the JetBlue unit of ALPA.

“It is completely reasonable for JetBlue to deliver compensation improvements before the end of the year—just as JetBlue pilots delivered for JetBlue over the past several years.”

In October, the pilots proposed to management that the difficult and resource-consuming bargaining issues in a full contract negotiation be set aside for the time being. Instead, negotiations would focus on a short-term contract extension that would provide the pilots with economic improvements.

This would allow the pilots to advance their careers in an industry with a rising market for pilots, while also affording JetBlue management the opportunity to devote their resources to running a quality operation and pursuing a merger with another airline, rather than the distraction of a protracted negotiation.

The pilots’ contract became amendable on August 1, 2022, and the refocused negotiations are limited to only key economic issues in an effort to complete a contract extension this year.

“We have every expectation that we can come to a mutually beneficial agreement with the Company at these next negotiating sessions,” continued Kenney. “There should be no delay for a contract now.”

Flight crew hiring rates surging

The news of the negotiations with JetBlue pilots comes at a time when demand for piots is generally at an all-time high.

The latest aviation data shows pilot hiring numbers are soaring to never-before-seen levels in the industry, with 2022 surpassing the record for pilot hiring, previously achieved in 2000. According to FAPA, the major U.S. airlines hired 11,372 pilots this year.

JetBlue and Future & Active Pilot Advisors (FAPA) have just hosted the exclusive FAPA Job Fair which featured more than 20 pilot employers on Saturday November 19 at Le Méridien Dania Beach, near the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL).

“JetBlue is proud and excited to continue our partnership with FAPA as we seek dedicated and professional pilots to join our growing airline.”

“It’s a great time to join JetBlue – we’re not only hiring new pilots, but we’re also adding new routes, aircraft and opportunities. We look forward to meeting candidates in Dania Beach this weekend as FAPA’s featured sponsor,” said Chris Lum, system chief pilot, JetBlue; speaking about the event last week.