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 are fiercely opposing proposed single-pilot operations in commercial aircraft, calling them a "profit-driven scheme" that poses significant safety risks and asserting that technology cannot replace the critical role of two pilots.
Unions emphasize that two pilots are the most important safety feature, citing recent in-flight incapacitation incidents where a second pilot was crucial for ensuring flight safety.
Despite strong opposition from pilots and anticipated public discomfort, over 40 countries and regulatory bodies like EASA are exploring single-pilot operations, citing potential benefits like cost reduction and easing crew shortages.

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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.