Release #14.84
October 16, 2014

ALPA Statement on Travel Protocols During Ebola Monitoring

WASHINGTON—The Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA) issued the following statement calling for a review of the travel protocols currently in place for individuals who are under Centers for Disease Control monitoring for possible exposure to the Ebola virus.

“The Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA) commends the health-care workers who serve on the front lines in addressing the Ebola virus outbreak. Our thoughts are with them and all who are affected by this terrible disease.

“The recent announcement involving a health-care worker who traveled aboard a commercial passenger airliner while being monitored by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) underscores the need for agencies to continue working together and coordinate to ensure a comprehensive and effective effort, particularly the CDC, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the need for a thorough review of the protocols currently in place to monitor individuals who may have been exposed to the virus. The CDC must also make certain that those protocols have been accurately and effectively communicated to all health-care facilities and ensure that they have been fully incorporated into existing procedures.

“In addition, airlines should remain vigilant in reviewing protocols and procedures for cleaning and sanitizing aircraft cabin interiors following a possible exposure event. All airline operators must continue to ensure that their personnel are aware of and follow the cleaning and sanitizing procedures in place to protect the flight crew as well as the flying public.

“Airline flight crews are trained to safely address medical concerns during flight, and ALPA is working with industry partners to ensure that aircraft are fully equipped and safe for transport. The pilot-in-command, using his or her training and the available information, has authority to take appropriate action during a flight to safeguard passengers and crew.

“ALPA fully supports the U.S. government’s efforts to minimize any risk with appropriate precautions. Since the first evidence of the Ebola virus outbreak, ALPA has worked with all relevant government agencies, including the CDC, FAA, and DHS with the goal of safeguarding air travel for flight crews, other airline industry workers, and the traveling public.”

Founded in 1931, ALPA is the world’s largest pilot union, representing more than 51,000 pilots at 30 airlines in the United States and Canada. Visit the ALPA website at www.alpa.org or follow us on Twitter @WeAreALPA.

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CONTACT: ALPA Media, 703/481-4440 or Media@alpa.org

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