Release #09.023
May 22, 2009

ALPA Welcomes FAA Administrator Babbitt

WASHINGTON – Capt. John Prater, the president of the world’s largest pilots union, today issued the following statement on the U.S. Senate’s confirmation of Capt. J. Randolph Babbitt as the next administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration.

“Airline pilots across the country welcome the confirmation of Capt. Babbitt as the next administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration.
Babbitt’s experience as an airline pilot, union president, aviation consultant, and member of numerous government and industry advisory committees will serve him well as he leads our industry.

“On behalf of every member of the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l, we stand ready to work with Secretary LaHood and Administrator Babbitt to take on pilot fatigue and the other challenges that must be addressed as our industry continues to pursue the highest possible standard of safety.”

Founded in 1931, ALPA is the world’s largest pilots union, representing nearly 54,000 pilots at 36 airlines in the United States and Canada.

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Contact: Molly Martin, 703/481-4440 or media@alpa.org