Airlines

Southwest pilots union backs Boeing on MAX 7, 10 certification extension

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The union that represents nearly 10,000 Southwest Airlines pilots is in favor of extending an exemption from the new cockpit alerting regulations to Boeing 737 MAX 7 and MAX 10 aircraft.

The 737 MAX 7 and 10 variants must be approved by the Federal Aviation Administration by the end of December, failing which Boeing will be forced to comply with new contemporary cockpit-alerting regulations that may severely delay the plane’s entry into service.

10 things about Boeing 737 max aircraft. (Opens in a new browser tab)

It made sense to have standardized alerts across the 737 families of aircraft, according to Capt. Casey Murray, president of the Southwest Airlines Pilots Association, in an interview on Friday. Murray stated We feel in the interest of safety and commonality that it should be certified under the same regulations, adding that he backs the legislation’s mandate that upcoming aircraft have cutting-edge cockpit alerting systems.

The Allied Pilots Association, which is made up of 15,000 American Airlines (AAL.O) pilots, stated that it is against the Boeing MAX jets’ expansion.

Boeing received the most orders at the Farnborough airshows in 2022.(Opens in a new browser tab)

One unified 737 cockpit warning system, according to Boeing, makes the cockpit safer. “A consistent operational experience across an airplane family is an industry best practice that benefits flight crews and the flying public by improving safety and lowering risk,” said Boeing. Following the deaths of 346 people in two deadly 737 MAX crashes and the subsequent 20-month grounding of the best-selling aircraft, Congress implemented the rules as part of certification reform.

According to a letter from the FAA, Boeing does not expect to receive regulatory approval for the MAX 10 until next summer. The deadline for Boeing to obtain certification for the additional versions was extended last week by one year, to September 2024, by Senator Roger Wicker, the top Republican on the Commerce Committee. Wicker plans to include the request in the yearly military bill.

The 65,000 airline pilots in North America that make up the Air Line Pilots Association remained silent on their position regarding the extension on Friday.

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Airlines

Qantas Engineers Stage Walkout Over Cost of Living Concerns

Tensions at Qantas reached new heights as base maintenance workers in Brisbane walked out of a hangar meeting hosted by the airline’s CEO, Vanessa Hudson.

The walkout was a clear display of displeasure and aimed to send a strong message to the company’s management about the growing frustrations within the workforce. The workers, represented by the Qantas Engineers Alliance, have been pushing for wage increases that reflect the rising cost of living.

In an open display of displeasure, Qantas Base maintenance workers walked out of a hangar meet hosted by the CEO Vanessa Hudson in Brisbane, also aimed to send a message to the management.

Qantas Engineers Alliance members have been demanding decent wage increases to match with… pic.twitter.com/y9EVjc46VM— FL360aero (@fl360aero) September 14, 2024

Despite ongoing discussions, the employees feel that their concerns have been overlooked, leading to this public show of dissent. The hangar meeting, meant to foster dialogue and address employee concerns, instead became the stage for a visible demonstration of dissatisfaction as the workers exited in unison.

For some time, the engineers and maintenance staff have expressed frustration over wage stagnation amid increasing inflation and living costs. Their demand is simple: a decent and fair wage adjustment that keeps pace with economic realities. The walkout underscores the workers’ determination to stand firm on their request for better pay and fair treatment.

As Qantas navigates its recovery post-pandemic, this incident highlights the growing internal challenges the airline faces, especially concerning its workforce. The maintenance staff’s actions have put additional pressure on the company’s leadership to address the wage concerns and avoid further escalation.