ALPA applauds Department of Homeland Security statement on improving aviation security

WASHINGTON, D.C., 2017-Jun-30 — /Travel PR News/ — The Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA) issued the following statement today after Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary John Kelly announced that the United States is raising the global baseline of aviation security, which includes additional scrutiny of electronic devices on flights coming into the United States:

“Today’s announcement by Secretary Kelly about a phased, proactive plan to improve aviation security is a positive step forward. ALPA has been working with the leadership of DHS, the Transportation Security Administration, the Federal Aviation Administration, and industry partners on addressing credible security threats and not inadvertently introducing other flight safety risks.

“Prohibiting electronic devices from checked baggage, as well as carry-on baggage, on flights to the United States that do not meet proper security standards, addresses the concerns ALPA expressed regarding the increased storage of lithium batteries in the cargo compartments of airplanes. ALPA commends DHS for taking these concerns under consideration as they take the additional measures necessary to ensure the safety and security of the traveling public.”

Founded in 1931, ALPA is the largest airline pilot union in the world and represents over 57,000 pilots at 33 U.S. and Canadian airlines. Visit the ALPA website at www.alpa.org or follow us on Twitter @WeAreALPA.

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CONTACT: ALPA Media, 703-481-4440 or Media@alpa.org

SOURCE: Air Line Pilots Association International