Release #12.01
January 19, 2012

ALPA Supports President’s Initiative to Streamline Visa Process
Initiative Has Strong Potential to Benefit U.S. Pilots and the Airline Industry

WASHINGTON—The Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA) applauds President Obama’s initiative to boost international travel to the United States by establishing an expedited, but secure, visa process for low-risk travelers.

“We support the administration’s initiative to take affirmative steps in this area that will offer tangible results for U.S. pilots and the airline industry,” said ALPA’s president, Capt. Lee Moak. “This initiative has been a priority of ours for the last few months and this is a clear illustration of how our union can help effect change.”

ALPA and its partners in the aviation industry have been encouraging the administration to eliminate inefficiencies in the U.S. visa process—specifically for travelers from China, Brazil, and India—in an effort to spur economic growth, as well as benefit U.S. pilot jobs and the airline industry.

ALPA and allies in the industry believe there is potential for passenger travel growth from China, Brazil, and India, but tourists have been deterred from traveling to the United States due to restrictive U.S. visa procedures.

Founded in 1931, ALPA is the world’s largest pilot union, representing more than 53,000 pilots at 37 airlines in the United States and Canada. Visit the ALPA website at www.alpa.org.

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