Federal Judge Slaps Down JetBlue-Spirit Merger, Citing Competition Concerns

Federal Judge Slaps Down JetBlue-Spirit Merger, Citing Competition Concerns

Jan 16, 2024 | Featured News, Front Page, JetBlue, MNPL, Perusals, Recent News, Row 2, Spirit, Transportation Territory, Uncategorized

Federal Judge Slaps Down JetBlue-Spirit Merger, Citing Competition Concerns

Federal Judge Slaps Down JetBlue-Spirit Merger, Citing Competition Concerns

IAM141.org
16 January 2024

U.S. District Judge William Young blocked the $3.8 billion attempt by Jetblue to purchase Spirit Airlines, citing monopolistic concerns. The decision is a victory for the Biden Administration, who had opposed the acquisition.

 

DALLAS — U.S. District Judge William Young ruled against JetBlue Airways’ proposed $3.8 billion acquisition of Spirit Airlines. The ruling, citing competition concerns, aligns with the Biden administration’s opposition to the merger. The ruling was handed down on Monday. 

In March, the Justice Department filed a lawsuit to block the merger, arguing it would increase fares by eliminating Spirit. The DOJ also found airfares were likely to rise if Spirit, a low-cost airline, was removed as an option for air travelers. JetBlue is considering an appeal of today’s ruling. The airline stated the deal is necessary to better compete with larger U.S. airlines.

The Transport Workers Union International President John Samuelsen issued a statement on Tuesday in which he said the decision would end a “period of uncertainty,” at both airlines.

“Both work groups gain in the end,” said Samuelsen. “We won hard-fought economic and work-rule improvements for our JetBlue Inflight Crewmembers while protecting our Guest Service Agents’ contract at Spirit.”

The Transport Workers Union represents 7,000 JetBlue Inflight Crewmembers. On top of regularly scheduled contractual raises, TWU recently wrested from the bosses at JetBlue an additional 17% in pay raises. The TWU also represents Spirit Guest Service Agents at Fort Lauderdale International Airport.

“Robust airline competition makes it more affordable to fly,” The DOJ said in a release dated March 7, 2203. “Travelers depend on low-cost flight options to see the world, go home for the holidays, visit their family and friends, show up to help in an emergency, or travel at the last minute. The Justice Department found that the proposed merger violates the Clayton Act by eliminating the largest, most aggressive ultra-low-cost competitor, grounding Spirit’s most cost-conscious customers, and substantially reducing competition on a significant number of concentrated, overlapping routes that carry millions of passengers.”

“We continue to believe that our combination is the best opportunity to increase competition and choice by bringing low fares and great service to more customers in more markets,” JetBlue said in a response to the decision.

The ruling is a victory for the Biden administration, which has challenged consolidation in various industries, claiming it harms consumers and adds to rising prices. The Justice Department said the JetBlue-Spirit merger would particularly affect travelers dependent on Spirit’s fares.

Judge Young, overseeing the trial last year, stated in his decision that the merger “would substantially lessen competition” in violation of antitrust law.

Following the decision, shares of Spirit Airlines Inc. dropped, while JetBlue shares rose by 8%.

For JetBlue, this is the second major setback in federal court in the space of a year, following the termination of a partnership with American Airlines. Joanna Geraghty will soon replace Robin Hayes, who oversaw both blocked deals in his tenure as CEO.

The decision may allow Frontier Airlines to attempt to buy Spirit again. The two airlines initially announced a deal in 2022, but JetBlue’s higher offer secured the bid for Spirit.

Judge Young’s decision read, in part, “The Court rules that the proposed acquisition violates Section 7 of the Clayton Act. Spirit is a small airline. But there are those who love it. To those dedicated customers of Spirit, this one’s for you. Why? Because the Clayton Act, a 109-year-old statute requires this result –- a statute that continues to deliver for the American people.”

“Summing it up, if JetBlue were permitted to gobble up Spirit -– at least as proposed — it would eliminate one of the airline industry’s few primary competitors that provides unique innovation and price discipline. It would further consolidate an oligopoly by immediately doubling JetBlue’s stakeholder size in the industry. Worse yet, the merger would likely incentivize JetBlue further to abandon its roots as a maverick, low-cost carrier.”

The ruling concluded a 17-day trial featuring Young’s testimony from 22 witnesses, hundreds of exhibits, and extensive evidence submissions. 

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Federal Judge Slaps Down JetBlue-Spirit Merger, Citing Competition Concerns

16 January 2024

U.S. District Judge William Young blocked the $3.8 billion attempt by Jetblue to purchase Spirit Airlines, citing monopolistic concerns. The decision is a victory for the Biden Administration, who had opposed the acquisition.

 

DALLAS — U.S. District Judge William Young ruled against JetBlue Airways’ proposed $3.8 billion acquisition of Spirit Airlines. The ruling, citing competition concerns, aligns with the Biden administration’s opposition to the merger. The ruling was handed down on Monday. 

In March, the Justice Department filed a lawsuit to block the merger, arguing it would increase fares by eliminating Spirit. The DOJ also found airfares were likely to rise if Spirit, a low-cost airline, was removed as an option for air travelers. JetBlue is considering an appeal of today’s ruling. The airline stated the deal is necessary to better compete with larger U.S. airlines.

The Transport Workers Union International President John Samuelsen issued a statement on Tuesday in which he said the decision would end a “period of uncertainty,” at both airlines.

“Both work groups gain in the end,” said Samuelsen. “We won hard-fought economic and work-rule improvements for our JetBlue Inflight Crewmembers while protecting our Guest Service Agents’ contract at Spirit.”

The Transport Workers Union represents 7,000 JetBlue Inflight Crewmembers. On top of regularly scheduled contractual raises, TWU recently wrested from the bosses at JetBlue an additional 17% in pay raises. The TWU also represents Spirit Guest Service Agents at Fort Lauderdale International Airport.

“Robust airline competition makes it more affordable to fly,” The DOJ said in a release dated March 7, 2203. “Travelers depend on low-cost flight options to see the world, go home for the holidays, visit their family and friends, show up to help in an emergency, or travel at the last minute. The Justice Department found that the proposed merger violates the Clayton Act by eliminating the largest, most aggressive ultra-low-cost competitor, grounding Spirit’s most cost-conscious customers, and substantially reducing competition on a significant number of concentrated, overlapping routes that carry millions of passengers.”

“We continue to believe that our combination is the best opportunity to increase competition and choice by bringing low fares and great service to more customers in more markets,” JetBlue said in a response to the decision.

The ruling is a victory for the Biden administration, which has challenged consolidation in various industries, claiming it harms consumers and adds to rising prices. The Justice Department said the JetBlue-Spirit merger would particularly affect travelers dependent on Spirit’s fares.

Judge Young, overseeing the trial last year, stated in his decision that the merger “would substantially lessen competition” in violation of antitrust law.

Following the decision, shares of Spirit Airlines Inc. dropped, while JetBlue shares rose by 8%.

For JetBlue, this is the second major setback in federal court in the space of a year, following the termination of a partnership with American Airlines. Joanna Geraghty will soon replace Robin Hayes, who oversaw both blocked deals in his tenure as CEO.

The decision may allow Frontier Airlines to attempt to buy Spirit again. The two airlines initially announced a deal in 2022, but JetBlue’s higher offer secured the bid for Spirit.

Judge Young’s decision read, in part, “The Court rules that the proposed acquisition violates Section 7 of the Clayton Act. Spirit is a small airline. But there are those who love it. To those dedicated customers of Spirit, this one’s for you. Why? Because the Clayton Act, a 109-year-old statute requires this result –- a statute that continues to deliver for the American people.”

“Summing it up, if JetBlue were permitted to gobble up Spirit -– at least as proposed — it would eliminate one of the airline industry’s few primary competitors that provides unique innovation and price discipline. It would further consolidate an oligopoly by immediately doubling JetBlue’s stakeholder size in the industry. Worse yet, the merger would likely incentivize JetBlue further to abandon its roots as a maverick, low-cost carrier.”

The ruling concluded a 17-day trial featuring Young’s testimony from 22 witnesses, hundreds of exhibits, and extensive evidence submissions. 

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Transcript: Alaska Airlines Pilot Calm Under Depressure

Transcript: Alaska Airlines Pilot Calm Under Depressure

Jan 9, 2024 | Featured, Featured News, Front Page, Recent News, Row 2, Safety, Uncategorized

Transcript: Alaska Airlines Pilot Calm Under Depressure

Transcript: Alaska Airlines Pilot Calm Under Depressure

IAM141.org
9 January 2024

The pilot flying the Alaska Airlines flight from Portland to Seattle last Friday is getting noticed for her super-chill handling a blowout of a cabin door as her plane was three miles in the air.

Just after 5 pm local time on Friday, an emergency door that had been deactivated and converted for use as part of the regular cabin structure blew out at an altitude of 16,000 feet. The plane was carrying 171 passengers and six crew members at the time.

This terrifying event resulted in the depressurization of the cabin. The force of air rushing in was so powerful that it ripped off the shirt of a young boy, who was held tightly by his mother. Multiple passengers also watched helplessly as their phones were sucked out into the night sky.

The pilots touched down safely at Portland International Airport just 20 minutes after takeoff.  

Fortunately, no one aboard was seriously injured, thanks in part to the fact that the rows next to the door were empty. 

But a larger factor in preventing the incident from worsening was the pilot’s remarkably calm approach to managing the crisis. In fact, her demeanor was so steady and controlled that Air Traffic Control needed to ask if an emergency was happening at all.

Air traffic controller: “Alaska 1282 did you declare an emergency or did you need to return to …”

Alaska Airlines pilot: “Yes, we are in an emergency. We are depressurized. We do need to return. We have 177 passengers. Fuel is 18-eight.”

The pilot, whose name had not been made public at the time of this writing, was also credited with preventing panic among passengers.

In a report published by NBC News, multiple passengers praised the flight crew for their composure and credited the “calmness” of the pilot’s voice as being what had “kept everyone calm.”

Below: Transcript from Alaska Airlines Flight 1282

Air traffic controller: “1282 foreign approach. Good afternoon. You still have information zero?”

Alaska Airlines pilot: “Yeah, we do have information zero, we’d like to get lower, if possible.”

Air traffic controller: “Possibility 1282 descend and maintain 7,000.”

Air traffic controller: “Alaska 1282 did you declare an emergency or did you need to return to …”

Alaska Airlines pilot: “Yes, we are in an emergency, we are depressurized, we do need to return back to, we have 177 passengers. Fuel is 18-eight.”

Jennifer Homendy, Chair of the National Transportation Safety Board, said that “maintenance crews checked the plane and cleared it to fly — but the airline decided not to use it for the long route to Hawaii over water so that it ‘could return very quickly to an airport’ if the warning light reappeared.”

In the wake of the Alaska Airlines incident, other airlines and federal agencies are implementing additional safety measures.

United Airlines, which operates the Boeing 737 Max 9, has begun inspections of its fleet, focusing particularly on the door plugs and pressurization systems. The airline is reviewing installation procedures and adjusting protocols as necessary.

In a memo to employees, the airline said, “As of Monday, service on that aircraft remains suspended, and we have canceled 200 MAX 9 flights. We expect significant cancellations on Tuesday as well, though we have been able to operate some planned flights by switching to other aircraft types, avoiding about 30 cancellations on both Monday and Tuesday.”

As part of the inspections, United is removing two rows of seats and the sidewall liner to access each door plug, a task already completed on most MAX 9s. The process also involves inspecting and verifying the proper installation of the door and frame hardware, opening the door to inspect the area around it and the seal, ensuring any loose door bolts are tightened, and then re-securing the door to ensure it is properly fitted.

United’s teams will then document and correct any discrepancies before an aircraft returns to service. Each inspection requires a team of five United technicians and takes several hours per aircraft.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued new inspection guidelines for Boeing 737 Max 9 aircraft. The FAA is ensuring that all airlines adhere to these updated safety measures and inspection requirements in an effort to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Maria Deacon, Tech Ops SVP at United, stressed the importance of diligence during this process. In a message to employees, she said, ‘It’s absolutely crucial we all maintain our focus on safety and compliance, and not be distracted or feel rushed.’

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Transcript: Alaska Airlines Pilot Calm Under Depressure

9 January 2024

The pilot flying the Alaska Airlines flight from Portland to Seattle last Friday is getting noticed for her super-chill handling a blowout of a cabin door as her plane was three miles in the air.

Just after 5 pm local time on Friday, an emergency door that had been deactivated and converted for use as part of the regular cabin structure blew out at an altitude of 16,000 feet. The plane was carrying 171 passengers and six crew members at the time.

This terrifying event resulted in the depressurization of the cabin. The force of air rushing in was so powerful that it ripped off the shirt of a young boy, who was held tightly by his mother. Multiple passengers also watched helplessly as their phones were sucked out into the night sky.

The pilots touched down safely at Portland International Airport just 20 minutes after takeoff.  

Fortunately, no one aboard was seriously injured, thanks in part to the fact that the rows next to the door were empty. 

But a larger factor in preventing the incident from worsening was the pilot’s remarkably calm approach to managing the crisis. In fact, her demeanor was so steady and controlled that Air Traffic Control needed to ask if an emergency was happening at all.

Air traffic controller: “Alaska 1282 did you declare an emergency or did you need to return to …”

Alaska Airlines pilot: “Yes, we are in an emergency. We are depressurized. We do need to return. We have 177 passengers. Fuel is 18-eight.”

The pilot, whose name had not been made public at the time of this writing, was also credited with preventing panic among passengers.

In a report published by NBC News, multiple passengers praised the flight crew for their composure and credited the “calmness” of the pilot’s voice as being what had “kept everyone calm.”

Below: Transcript from Alaska Airlines Flight 1282

Air traffic controller: “1282 foreign approach. Good afternoon. You still have information zero?”

Alaska Airlines pilot: “Yeah, we do have information zero, we’d like to get lower, if possible.”

Air traffic controller: “Possibility 1282 descend and maintain 7,000.”

Air traffic controller: “Alaska 1282 did you declare an emergency or did you need to return to …”

Alaska Airlines pilot: “Yes, we are in an emergency, we are depressurized, we do need to return back to, we have 177 passengers. Fuel is 18-eight.”

Jennifer Homendy, Chair of the National Transportation Safety Board, said that “maintenance crews checked the plane and cleared it to fly — but the airline decided not to use it for the long route to Hawaii over water so that it ‘could return very quickly to an airport’ if the warning light reappeared.”

In the wake of the Alaska Airlines incident, other airlines and federal agencies are implementing additional safety measures.

United Airlines, which operates the Boeing 737 Max 9, has begun inspections of its fleet, focusing particularly on the door plugs and pressurization systems. The airline is reviewing installation procedures and adjusting protocols as necessary.

In a memo to employees, the airline said, “As of Monday, service on that aircraft remains suspended, and we have canceled 200 MAX 9 flights. We expect significant cancellations on Tuesday as well, though we have been able to operate some planned flights by switching to other aircraft types, avoiding about 30 cancellations on both Monday and Tuesday.”

As part of the inspections, United is removing two rows of seats and the sidewall liner to access each door plug, a task already completed on most MAX 9s. The process also involves inspecting and verifying the proper installation of the door and frame hardware, opening the door to inspect the area around it and the seal, ensuring any loose door bolts are tightened, and then re-securing the door to ensure it is properly fitted.

United’s teams will then document and correct any discrepancies before an aircraft returns to service. Each inspection requires a team of five United technicians and takes several hours per aircraft.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued new inspection guidelines for Boeing 737 Max 9 aircraft. The FAA is ensuring that all airlines adhere to these updated safety measures and inspection requirements in an effort to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Maria Deacon, Tech Ops SVP at United, stressed the importance of diligence during this process. In a message to employees, she said, ‘It’s absolutely crucial we all maintain our focus on safety and compliance, and not be distracted or feel rushed.’

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New International President Bryant Sworn In

New International President Bryant Sworn In

Jan 8, 2024 | Featured, Featured News, Front Page, Row 2

New International President Bryant Sworn In

New International President Bryant Sworn In

IAM141.org
8 January 2024

As the new year of 2024 opens, so does a new chapter in the 135-year history of the IAM. Members of the IAM Executive Council on Friday, Jan. 5 took part in an officer installation ceremony at IAM Headquarters in Upper Marlboro, Md.

Watch the full installation ceremony here.

“From the bottom of my heart, I could not be more humbled to have taken this oath to become your 15th International President,” said IAM International President Bryant. “It is time to not just improve the state of working people, but to fundamentally transform the way working people live. We demand not just a seat at the table, but a chance to call the shots.”

Retired IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. administered the oath of office to the Executive Council.

“Brian Bryant knows what it means to lead,” said Martinez. “He has a vision for the future to engage and inspire our membership.”

Bryant, a 34-year IAM member, initiated into the IAM in 1989 when he joined Local S6 while employed at Bath Iron Works in Bath, Maine.  A pipefitter by trade, Bryant became active in his local and district before being appointed to the Eastern Territory staff. Bryant held three positions on the IAM Executive Council before becoming International President.

 

IAM Executive Council as of Jan. 1, 2024:

International President Brian Bryant Local S6
General Secretary-Treasurer Dora Cervantes Local 2198
General Vice Presidents Gary R. Allen Local 794
  David Chartrand Local 712
  David Sullivan Local S6
  Richie Johnsen Local 1781
  Craig Martin Local 470
  Jody Bennett Local 2771
  Sam Cicinelli Local 701

 

 

The Executive Council is preparing to review the report of the IAM Committee on the Future, which held dozens of town hall style meetings with members across North America. The report will drive the changes and new ideas used within the organization.

“We know that the world is changing, and that our union must not simply change with it, but lead that change,” said Bryant.

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New International President Bryant Sworn In

8 January 2024

As the new year of 2024 opens, so does a new chapter in the 135-year history of the IAM. Members of the IAM Executive Council on Friday, Jan. 5 took part in an officer installation ceremony at IAM Headquarters in Upper Marlboro, Md.

Watch the full installation ceremony here.

“From the bottom of my heart, I could not be more humbled to have taken this oath to become your 15th International President,” said IAM International President Bryant. “It is time to not just improve the state of working people, but to fundamentally transform the way working people live. We demand not just a seat at the table, but a chance to call the shots.”

Retired IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. administered the oath of office to the Executive Council.

“Brian Bryant knows what it means to lead,” said Martinez. “He has a vision for the future to engage and inspire our membership.”

Bryant, a 34-year IAM member, initiated into the IAM in 1989 when he joined Local S6 while employed at Bath Iron Works in Bath, Maine.  A pipefitter by trade, Bryant became active in his local and district before being appointed to the Eastern Territory staff. Bryant held three positions on the IAM Executive Council before becoming International President.

IAM Executive Council as of Jan. 1, 2024:

International President Brian Bryant Local S6
General Secretary-Treasurer Dora Cervantes Local 2198
General Vice Presidents Gary R. Allen Local 794
  David Chartrand Local 712
  David Sullivan Local S6
  Richie Johnsen Local 1781
  Craig Martin Local 470
  Jody Bennett Local 2771
  Sam Cicinelli Local 701

 

The Executive Council is preparing to review the report of the IAM Committee on the Future, which held dozens of town hall style meetings with members across North America. The report will drive the changes and new ideas used within the organization.

“We know that the world is changing, and that our union must not simply change with it, but lead that change,” said Bryant.

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Faysal Silwany Sworn in as Vice President of IAM District 141

Faysal Silwany Sworn in as Vice President of IAM District 141

Dec 13, 2023 | Featured, Featured News, Front Page, Perusals, Row 2

Faysal Silwany Sworn in as Vice President of IAM District 141

Faysal Silwany Sworn in as Vice President of IAM District 141

IAM141.org
13 December 2023

CHICAGO – Faysal Silwany was sworn in as vice president by Machinists Union District President Mike Klemm in a ceremony that took place during Wednesday’s District 141 Executive Board meeting.

Silwany, a member of Local 914 in Newark, New Jersey, has been with United Airlines since 2006, starting as a ramp agent. He began serving as a Union Steward in 2015. He later served as an Executive Board Trustee, and in 2019, he was elected to serve as a Committeeman for Local 914.

In his new role, Silwany will support Assistant General Chairs in the Eastern United States and undertake any additional assignments that union members may require.

His appointment, effective immediately, was unanimously approved by the District 141 Executive Board at the IAMAW District 141 Committee Conference in October.

President Klemm praised Silwany’s appointment, stating, “With Faysal Silwany stepping into the role of Vice President, we are reinforcing our commitment to strong, member-focused leadership. His proven ability to negotiate and advocate effectively will be key in our ongoing efforts to secure the best possible outcomes for our members.”

Silwany will also play a vital role in the upcoming Section 6 Contract Negotiations at United Airlines. Section 6 Negotiations are usually lengthy and can take years to negotiate.

Silwany is an experienced union negotiator and was part of the team that secured critical job protections for union members at 17 separate stations around the nation. The agreements also required the airline to insource work at five stations – Atlanta, Colorado Springs, Miami, Raleigh Durham, and Salt Lake City. The agreements also provided pay raises and work rule changes that will help union members while Section 6 Negotiations are underway.

Silwany’s experience in union negotiations will be crucial in the upcoming contract talks with United Airlines. He was part of the team that negotiated a previous contract extension, which was instrumental in preventing outsourcing, increasing pay, and securing beneficial provisions for union members.

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Faysal Silwany Sworn in as Vice President of IAM District 141

16 November 2023

CHICAGO – Faysal Silwany was sworn in as vice president by Machinists Union District President Mike Klemm in a ceremony that took place during Wednesday’s District 141 Executive Board meeting.

Silwany, a member of Local 914 in Newark, New Jersey, has been with United Airlines since 2006, starting as a ramp agent. He began serving as a Union Steward in 2015. He later served as an Executive Board Trustee, and in 2019, he was elected to serve as a Committeeman for Local 914.

In his new role, Silwany will support Assistant General Chairs in the Eastern United States and undertake any additional assignments that union members may require.

His appointment, effective immediately, was unanimously approved by the District 141 Executive Board at the IAMAW District 141 Committee Conference in October.

President Klemm praised Silwany’s appointment, stating, “With Faysal Silwany stepping into the role of Vice President, we are reinforcing our commitment to strong, member-focused leadership. His proven ability to negotiate and advocate effectively will be key in our ongoing efforts to secure the best possible outcomes for our members.”

Silwany will also play a vital role in the upcoming Section 6 Contract Negotiations at United Airlines. Section 6 Negotiations are usually lengthy and can take years to negotiate.

Silwany is an experienced union negotiator and was part of the team that secured critical job protections for union members at 17 separate stations around the nation. The agreements also required the airline to insource work at five stations – Atlanta, Colorado Springs, Miami, Raleigh Durham, and Salt Lake City. The agreements also provided pay raises and work rule changes that will help union members while Section 6 Negotiations are underway.

Silwany’s experience in union negotiations will be crucial in the upcoming contract talks with United Airlines. He was part of the team that negotiated a previous contract extension, which was instrumental in preventing outsourcing, increasing pay, and securing beneficial provisions for union members.

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Unruly Woman Fined $40,000

Unruly Woman Fined $40,000

Nov 16, 2023 | American, Featured, Featured News, Front Page, Recent News, Recent News, Row 2

Unruly Woman Fined $40,000

Unruly Woman Fined $40,000

IAM141.org
16 November 2023

PHOENIX – Cayla Farris, a passenger on an American Airlines flight from Phoenix to Honolulu on February 13, 2022, has been ordered by United States District Judge Susan M. Brnovich to pay $38,952 in restitution to the airline. Farris, who pleaded guilty to interfering with a flight crew member, exhibited unruly behavior that included using profanity and threatening the crew and other passengers. Her actions led to significant delays and disruptions, including the flight’s return to Phoenix and the rerouting of several other flights.

The investigation, conducted by the FBI and the Phoenix Police Department, highlighted the severity of the incident, which was part of a broader trend of increased unruly passenger incidents during the pandemic. In 2021, nearly 6,000 such incidents were reported, a stark increase from the approximately 1,100 incidents in 2019. Though these numbers have declined, they remain higher than pre-pandemic levels.

As part of her sentence, Farris served 3.6 months in prison and is now under three years of supervised release. During this time, she is prohibited from traveling on commercial aircraft without prior authorization. This case underscores the government’s heightened efforts to combat air rage incidents and enforce federal laws requiring passengers to comply with crewmember instructions.

Experts note that cramped and stressful flight conditions often lead to disruptive behavior. This case serves as a reminder of the legal consequences of such actions and the importance of maintaining a safe and orderly environment on commercial flights.

While Cayla Farris faced a substantial $40,000 fine for her disruptive behavior on an American Airlines flight, this isn’t the heftiest penalty the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued since the pandemic. An earlier incident in July 2021 resulted in an even larger fine. In that case, a woman on a flight from Dallas-Fort Worth to Charlotte was fined $81,950 for physically assaulting a flight attendant and attempting to open the cabin door.

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Unruly Woman Fined $40,000

16 November 2023

PHOENIX – Cayla Farris, a passenger on an American Airlines flight from Phoenix to Honolulu on February 13, 2022, has been ordered by United States District Judge Susan M. Brnovich to pay $38,952 in restitution to the airline. Farris, who pleaded guilty to interfering with a flight crew member, exhibited unruly behavior that included using profanity and threatening the crew and other passengers. Her actions led to significant delays and disruptions, including the flight’s return to Phoenix and the rerouting of several other flights.

The investigation, conducted by the FBI and the Phoenix Police Department, highlighted the severity of the incident, which was part of a broader trend of increased unruly passenger incidents during the pandemic. In 2021, nearly 6,000 such incidents were reported, a stark increase from the approximately 1,100 incidents in 2019. Though these numbers have declined, they remain higher than pre-pandemic levels.

As part of her sentence, Farris served 3.6 months in prison and is now under three years of supervised release. During this time, she is prohibited from traveling on commercial aircraft without prior authorization. This case underscores the government’s heightened efforts to combat air rage incidents and enforce federal laws requiring passengers to comply with crewmember instructions.

Experts note that cramped and stressful flight conditions often lead to disruptive behavior. This case serves as a reminder of the legal consequences of such actions and the importance of maintaining a safe and orderly environment on commercial flights.

While Cayla Farris faced a substantial $40,000 fine for her disruptive behavior on an American Airlines flight, this isn’t the heftiest penalty the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued since the pandemic. An earlier incident in July 2021 resulted in an even larger fine. In that case, a woman on a flight from Dallas-Fort Worth to Charlotte was fined $81,950 for physically assaulting a flight attendant and attempting to open the cabin door.

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United Airlines’ Denver Hiring Spree Draws Hundreds from Guam

United Airlines’ Denver Hiring Spree Draws Hundreds from Guam

Sep 8, 2023 | Featured News, Front Page, Other News, Recent News, Recent News, Row 2, United

United Airlines’ Denver Hiring Spree Draws Hundreds from Guam

IAM141.org
September 8, 2023

United Airlines officials announced today that 460 residents of Guam have relocated to Denver after accepting positions as ramp agents, following a 2-day job fair held on the island in January.

The move follows months of efforts by the airline to fill vacancies and hire new agents for a planned expansion in Denver, which is planned to eventually add about 1,800 new workers. About 2,600 Guam residents applied for the jobs, with 460 making it through the highly-specialized hiring process.

Entry-level wages in the Denver area start at around $20 an hour, with the union-negotiated payscales topping out at about $90,000 a year. Despite the high pay and union-protected job security, United has struggled to find new hires to work at Denver International. Efforts to find new workers have involved moving bonuses ranging well into the thousands of dollars.

Recently, United Airlines CFO Gerry Laderman dismissed speculation that the carrier could move its Headquarters from Chicago to Denver despite its recent purchase of over 100 acres of land near Denver International Airport.

Laderman was asked about the possible move at a September 6 investment conference.

“There are no imminent plans for that,” Laderman told the TD Cowen 16th annual Global Transportation Conference investors. “We have a long-term lease at the Willis Tower, our Headquarters. We’ve been there for decades in Chicago.”

The carrier recently purchased over 100 acres near Denver International Airport as part of a multi-million dollar expansion in the region, which includes a renewed presence at Colorado Springs. The investments led to some media speculation that the airline was considering relocating its Headquarters to the Denver area.

Laderman compared Denver to Houston, the home of former Continental Airlines, until the airline’s 2010 merger with United Airlines. “It’s fair to say Denver is like Houston. “We have a lot of facilities in Houston, and our in-flight training center’s there,” he said. “We have all sorts of operations there,” he continued. “Denver’s the same way.”

“We’ve outgrown it,” he said. “So one of the first things we’ll do with that new space we have is we have now a location to be able to expand the flight training center. And then over the years, we’ll find other opportunities.”

The idea that United might be interested in relocating to Denver is plausible; the land purchase was just the most recent action fueling such speculation. Denver is the second-busiest hub in United’s system, ranking right behind Houston’s IAH.

Denver rarely sees the types of stormy weather found in Chicago or Houston, where severe weather is a near-constant concern. Annually, Denver sees an average of 300 days of sunshine. Its position in the center of the United States would also give the carrier a Headquarters located about the same distance from its primary hubs, including San Francisco, Newark, Houston, and Chicago.

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United Airlines’ Denver Hiring Spree Draws Hundreds from Guam

September 8, 2023

United Airlines officials announced today that 460 residents of Guam have relocated to Denver after accepting positions as ramp agents, following a 2-day job fair held on the island in January.

The move follows months of efforts by the airline to fill vacancies and hire new agents for a planned expansion in Denver, which is planned to eventually add about 1,800 new workers. About 2,600 Guam residents applied for the jobs, with 460 making it through the highly-specialized hiring process.

Entry-level wages in the Denver area start at around $20 an hour, with the union-negotiated payscales topping out at about $90,000 a year. Despite the high pay and union-protected job security, United has struggled to find new hires to work at Denver International. Efforts to find new workers have involved moving bonuses ranging well into the thousands of dollars.

Recently, United Airlines CFO Gerry Laderman dismissed speculation that the carrier could move its Headquarters from Chicago to Denver despite its recent purchase of over 100 acres of land near Denver International Airport.

Laderman was asked about the possible move at a September 6 investment conference.

“There are no imminent plans for that,” Laderman told the TD Cowen 16th annual Global Transportation Conference investors. “We have a long-term lease at the Willis Tower, our Headquarters. We’ve been there for decades in Chicago.”

The carrier recently purchased over 100 acres near Denver International Airport as part of a multi-million dollar expansion in the region, which includes a renewed presence at Colorado Springs. The investments led to some media speculation that the airline was considering relocating its Headquarters to the Denver area.

Laderman compared Denver to Houston, the home of former Continental Airlines, until the airline’s 2010 merger with United Airlines. “It’s fair to say Denver is like Houston. “We have a lot of facilities in Houston, and our in-flight training center’s there,” he said. “We have all sorts of operations there,” he continued. “Denver’s the same way.”

“We’ve outgrown it,” he said. “So one of the first things we’ll do with that new space we have is we have now a location to be able to expand the flight training center. And then over the years, we’ll find other opportunities.”

The idea that United might be interested in relocating to Denver is plausible; the land purchase was just the most recent action fueling such speculation. Denver is the second-busiest hub in United’s system, ranking right behind Houston’s IAH.

Denver rarely sees the types of stormy weather found in Chicago or Houston, where severe weather is a near-constant concern. Annually, Denver sees an average of 300 days of sunshine. Its position in the center of the United States would also give the carrier a Headquarters located about the same distance from its primary hubs, including San Francisco, Newark, Houston, and Chicago.

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The Dawn of the Machinists UnionIn the smoky workshops of late 19th century America, a revolution was brewing. The Industrial Age, with its booming factories and powerful railroads, had brought both progress and hardship.The Dawn of the Machinists UnionIAM141.org 14...