The Machinists Union Calls on Biden Administration to Approve New United Route to Cape Town, South Africa
iMail
23 May 2022
United Airlines is asking the Biden Administration to approve a new route from Washington, Dulles International, to Cape Town South Africa.
International President Robert Martinez, Jr. sent a letter to United States Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg to champion United Airlines’ application for international flights to Cape Town, South Africa, from Dulles International near Washington D.C.
“United’s proposal for consistent and reliable flights between the two destinations will greatly benefit the Washington, DC metro region and beyond,” stated Martinez. “In addition, this approval would strengthen the work our members do at Dulles and elsewhere.”
The proposed tri-weekly 14.5-hour flights will provide the vital union jobs the Biden administration has promised to protect. In addition, many hard-working IAM members will service this route which aims to tie government, business, and cultural ties that current competing airlines cannot match.
“Being United Airlines’ longest direct flight destination is historic,” said Air Transport Territory General Vice President Richard Johnsen. “The IAM will continue to advocate for this approval from the Department of Transportation, which supports solid union jobs for our members.”
Learn More: Why Must a U.S. Airline require approval from the DOT for International Flights?
Related News
United Ground Express Negotiations Update (23 June 2025)
Over the week of June 16—20, our IAM District 141 negotiating team met in Chicago with United Ground Express management. We worked to advance the remaining sections of our first collective-bargaining agreement. We are pleased to report continued forward movement and...
United Airlines Negotiations Update 17 June
Last week in Chicago, our IAM District 141 team met with United management to resume work on all seven collective-bargaining agreements. The Fleet Technical Instructor (FTI) and Security Officer sub-committees were also present and submitted updated proposals.United...
Four Tips for Writing (and Winning) Scholarship Essay Contests
Four Tips for Writing (and Winning) Scholarship Essay ContestsYou don’t need to be the best writer in the world to win a scholarship. You just need to follow a few smart rules, speak from the heart, and—this part is important—show up. Here are four ways to give...