Excerpted from the APA/USAPA negotiating committee
Joint President's Message: JCBA expectations
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We intend to make the case for our pilots flying E175s and other similar-sized aircraft. The pilot shortage at the regional carriers — driven by poverty-level wages for new hires — is real and materializing sooner than the industry anticipated. The carrier that abandons the regional experiment first and commits to a consistent quality product for passengers, with a reliable supply of highly qualified pilots, will win the day. We will strongly encourage management to restore American Airlines to the position of industry leader and innovator, particularly in the area of mainline pilots performing regional jet flying.