The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) has announced the launch of a global campaign titled “Safety Starts with Two” to oppose reduced-crew operations and advocate for maintaining two pilots on the flight deck at all times. The announcement was made on X, formerly known as Twitter.
According to ALPA’s official news release, the campaign was initiated in response to proposals by some aircraft manufacturers and airlines to reduce the number of pilots on the flight deck. ALPA considers this a significant threat to aviation safety. The campaign includes educational materials, advocacy tools, and outreach programs aimed at informing the public and policymakers about the risks associated with reduced-crew operations. ALPA emphasizes that having two well-trained pilots is essential for managing emergencies and ensuring flight safety.
As reported by the International Federation of Air Line Pilots’ Associations (IFALPA), the “Safety Starts with Two” campaign has garnered international support, with pilot unions from various countries participating in coordinated efforts to oppose reduced-crew operations. These efforts include public awareness campaigns, meetings with regulators, and collaboration with other aviation stakeholders to maintain current safety standards. IFALPA highlights that the unified stance of global pilot associations underscores the critical importance of having two pilots on the flight deck.
According to the Safety Starts with Two campaign website, concerns are raised about Extended Minimum Crew Operations (eMCO), which would allow single-pilot operations during portions of a flight. The campaign argues that such practices undermine safety by removing redundancy, situational awareness, and collaborative decision-making that two pilots provide. The site includes resources such as position papers and pilot testimonials advocating for maintaining a two-pilot standard on all commercial flights.
The Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA) is noted as being the world’s largest airline pilot union, representing more than 65,000 pilots across 40 airlines in the U.S. and Canada. Established in 1931, ALPA has played a central role in advancing aviation safety, strengthening pilot training requirements, and promoting fair labor standards.
