AA, pilots at 'standstill' on proposed China flight
American has made a huge push to win government approval for non-stop flights between Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) and Beijing -- part of the bidding for the latest U.S.-China route being opened up to U.S. airlines. But despite AA's intense lobbying effort with Congress, business leaders and government officials, one hurdle could come from within. The Fort Worth Star-Telegram notes that "the airline still hasn't gotten the backing from one crucial group –- its pilots." The paper says the airline's pilots' union still must OK an agreement that would allow its members to fly the 16-hour DFW-Beijing route. "So far, however, negotiations have been at a standstill. Union leaders say that they want some benefits in return for their approval, but that the airline is balking at any quid pro quo," the Star-Telegram writes.
The paper adds that "the issue could threaten to derail American's application" since regulators may be reluctant to pick AA for the route if there is potential sticking point. AA's current contract with pilots has no provisions for flying beyond an eight-hour maximum, which means the company must negotiate side agreements with the union to permit pilots to fly routes beyond that limit –- something AA did recently for its new service to Delhi and Shanghai. The potential conflict also comes as AA is negotiating a new contract with the union, and "the China flight gives pilots leverage at the bargaining table," the Star-Telegram adds."The pilots have made a lot of sacrifices," says Denny Breslin, an American pilot and spokesman for the Allied Pilots Association. Still, he adds that the union supports AA's effort to expand into China. "We want very much to get the route," Breslin says. "It's important for everybody."
American has made a huge push to win government approval for non-stop flights between Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) and Beijing -- part of the bidding for the latest U.S.-China route being opened up to U.S. airlines. But despite AA's intense lobbying effort with Congress, business leaders and government officials, one hurdle could come from within. The Fort Worth Star-Telegram notes that "the airline still hasn't gotten the backing from one crucial group –- its pilots." The paper says the airline's pilots' union still must OK an agreement that would allow its members to fly the 16-hour DFW-Beijing route. "So far, however, negotiations have been at a standstill. Union leaders say that they want some benefits in return for their approval, but that the airline is balking at any quid pro quo," the Star-Telegram writes.
The paper adds that "the issue could threaten to derail American's application" since regulators may be reluctant to pick AA for the route if there is potential sticking point. AA's current contract with pilots has no provisions for flying beyond an eight-hour maximum, which means the company must negotiate side agreements with the union to permit pilots to fly routes beyond that limit –- something AA did recently for its new service to Delhi and Shanghai. The potential conflict also comes as AA is negotiating a new contract with the union, and "the China flight gives pilots leverage at the bargaining table," the Star-Telegram adds."The pilots have made a lot of sacrifices," says Denny Breslin, an American pilot and spokesman for the Allied Pilots Association. Still, he adds that the union supports AA's effort to expand into China. "We want very much to get the route," Breslin says. "It's important for everybody."
