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

Verified

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 vehemently oppose single-pilot operations in commercial aircraft, asserting it's a profit-driven scheme posing significant safety risks and that two pilots are the most crucial safety feature.
Despite pilot opposition, over 40 countries and agencies like EASA are exploring single-pilot operations, citing potential cost savings, crew shortage relief, and technological advancements, with EASA considering implementation by 2030.
Recent mid-flight pilot incapacitation incidents underscore the unions' argument for the critical need of a second pilot, validating their stance that technology cannot replace a human flight crew.

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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.