Single Pilot Ops 'A Profit-Driven Scheme,' Pilot Unions Say

Only one pilot on the flight deck is a "significant safety risk," the international group of commercial pilot unions said in a joint statement.

Amelia Walsh

Thursday, March 30, 2023 at 01:01 PM ET

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Single pilot operations in commercial aircraft are “a profit-driven scheme that poses a significant safety risk," the group of pilot labor unions said in a joint statement. [Credit: Shutterstock]

Key Takeaways:

Global pilot unions strongly oppose single-pilot commercial aircraft operations, deeming them a profit-driven safety risk and asserting that two pilots are essential for flight safety.
Despite this opposition, over 40 countries and aviation agencies are exploring single-pilot operations by 2030, citing potential cost savings, crew shortage relief, and technological advancements.
Recent incidents of pilot incapacitation mid-flight highlight the critical safety role of a second pilot, reinforcing concerns about single-pilot proposals.
The concept is widely unpopular among pilots and is expected to be a difficult sell to the flying public, with unions vowing to actively counter its implementation.

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Single pilot operations in commercial aircraft are “a profit-driven scheme that poses a significant safety risk,” according to leaders of the world’s largest pilot labor unions.

In a joint statement, representatives from the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), the International Federation of Air Line Pilots’ Associations (IFALPA), and the European Cockpit Association (ECA) called on airlines and manufacturers to rethink plans for single pilot operations.