Flight Attendants Take Part In Inaugural Launch Of Biofuel Flights
AFA Participates in First of Many Cross-Country Flights with Biofuel Mix
Washington, DC –The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA), the world's largest Flight Attendant union, applauded Alaska Airlines, Horizon Air and United/Continental this week as all three airlines launched commercial flights fueled by a mix of alternative biofuels. AFA leaders were selected to take part in today's first biofuel flight on Alaska Airlines from Seattle to Washington, DC.
"The use of alternative aviation fuels, in addition to provisions included in the comprehensive, long-term FAA reauthorization, will help reduce our dependence on foreign oil, provide green jobs and help reduce carbon emissions. Our Flight Attendants at these carriers and across the industry are proud to be part of this progressive initiative that helps provide long-term stability for our vital industry while protecting our environment and creating meaningful jobs," said Veda Shook, AFA International President. "AFA calls for Congress to get to work and pass a long-term, multi-year, FAA reauthorization bill this year to streamline the research and development of alternative biofuels for aviation."
Both the U.S. House and Senate versions of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization contain provisions that call for research and development of alternative fuels for the aviation industry. Sustainable alternative aviation fuels provide a tremendous opportunity for reductions in carbon emissions and other emissions associated with air quality. Alternative biofuels, in addition to FAA reauthorization provisions like the NextGen program, will help increase fuel efficiency and play a major role in evolving the industry.
The Association of Flight Attendants is the world’s largest Flight Attendant union. Focused 100 percent on Flight Attendant issues, AFA has been the leader in advancing the Flight Attendant profession for over 65 years. Serving as the voice for Flight Attendants in the workplace, in the aviation industry, in the media and on Capitol Hill, AFA has transformed the Flight Attendant profession by raising wages, benefits and working conditions. Nearly 60,000 Flight Attendants at 24 airlines come together to form AFA, part of the 700,000-member strong Communications Workers of America (CWA), AFL-CIO. Visit us at www.afacwa.org.
