The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) has announced a call for volunteers to mentor furloughed members. This announcement was made in a post on the social media platform X on April 9.
The association has established the Furloughed Pilots Support Program (FPSP) to assist its members who are experiencing furloughs, downgrades, or displacements. According to ALPA, this initiative includes webinars, planning checklists, and support resources tailored to different phases of the furlough process. The program emphasizes peer connection and mentorship as key strategies for maintaining morale and professional development during career disruptions.
According to ALPA, more than 8,000 pilots were furloughed across U.S. airlines during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, prompting the association to expand its support services. The FPSP includes tools to help these pilots navigate unemployment insurance, financial planning, and potential requalification. ALPA continues to monitor workforce shifts and provides data-driven responses to pilot employment trends.
ALPA’s 2022 report indicates that the aviation industry has experienced significant recovery, with over 8,000 new pilot certifications issued in a 12-month span, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. The union uses this data to advocate for maintaining strong safety and training standards while also preparing for potential pilot shortages. This context supports the union’s mentoring initiative by aligning it with future workforce demands.
Founded in 1931, ALPA is the world’s largest airline pilot union, representing more than 77,000 pilots at 41 airlines across the United States and Canada. The union advocates for safety, security, and fair working conditions in the aviation industry and plays a leading role in professional development, legislative advocacy, and peer support for pilots throughout their careers.
