FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - EPAS Rebukes ALPA’s Politically-Motivated Criticism of Captain Jeff Anderson’s ICAO Nomination July 2025

EPAS Rebukes ALPA’s Politically-Motivated Criticism of Captain Jeff Anderson’s ICAO NominationJuly 2025 — Experienced Pilots Advancing Aviation Safety (EPAS) strongly rejects the Air Line Pilots Association’s (ALPA) criticism of the White House’s nomination of Captain Jeff Anderson as the next U.S. Ambassador to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).Captain Anderson brings over three decades of distinguished aviation experience — both military and commercial — to this critical global role. To suggest he is unqualified is not only inaccurate, it is disingenuous.Captain Anderson’s qualifications include:

• Former ALPA Legislative Committee Chairman: Trained by ALPA and served honorably with no objections from the union at the time.
• Delta Airlines Captain (Retired): Held a leadership role at one of the world’s largest international carriers with an unblemished safety and performance record.
• Veteran Naval Aviator: Demonstrated excellence and leadership in high-risk, tactical aviation environments.
• Decades of Union Membership: A 35-year member of ALPA who actively participated in the advancement of pilot interests through policy and advocacy.

ALPA’s public dismissal of Captain Anderson now — despite his record and former service within their own structure — reveals an unsettling double standard. The attack appears rooted not in principle, but in politics.ALPA’s leadership has chosen to oppose this nomination based solely on Captain Anderson’s support for eliminating the arbitrary age-65 retirement rule — a position that aligns with data, constitutional fairness, and international momentum for reform. Their motivation appears less about safety and more about appeasing internal political factions and preserving the current seniority hierarchy.To imply that a Delta captain with military command experience lacks international aviation credentials is absurd. ALPA’s public rebuke is not only unprofessional — it is disrespectful to a former member who served the organization and the industry with integrity.If ALPA truly had concerns about safety or the global standing of the U.S. at ICAO, it should advocate for a thorough and fair vetting process — not partisan condemnation. This kind of public posturing does a disservice to the pilots ALPA represents and the nation it claims to serve.EPAS stands firmly behind the nomination of Captain Jeff Anderson.
We urge stakeholders and policymakers to rise above political theatrics and support qualified leadership grounded in real-world aviation expertise, not internal union populism.

Contact:
EPAS Communications
📧 info@epaspilot.org
🔗 www.epaspilot.org