GENERAL SECRETARY Aviation is still facing a challenge, but as BALPAs new General Secretary, Im ready and waiting By Martin Chalk, BALPA General Secretary professional association of pilots, for pilots. An active, informed and engaged membership, proud of our work together on behalf of our profession that is my vision for BALPA. It will be building on strong foundations; we are one of the most successful unions, with enviable levels of membership and membership density in virtually every corner of our profession. We are a respected advocate for the profession and our industry, with strong influence at regional and global levels through ECA and IFALPA (organisations of which we were founding members). When it comes to influencing those in power, or attracting media attention, we punch well above our weight. Everyone I have spoken to recently has suggested it is a difficult time in aviation. For the people in our industry, as well as the smaller staff at BALPA House, this is very true. Many of our colleagues have lost their jobs, and many more have sacrificed much to ensure the survival of their company and our association. But I also see the next few years as a time of tremendous opportunity for us to frame the future context for aviation. Aviation is as fundamental to the success of a global trading nation such as the UK as is the telephone or the rule of law. Whether it is the direct benefits that accrue from the third-largest aviation system in the world as the UK was in 2019, after the USA and China or the indirect benefits of having the worlds most respected global financial and service sectors, leading aerospace and pharmaceutical sectors, or one of the most respected academic systems, our way of life and vibrant economy are dependent on a successful and diverse aviation industry. Connections to family right across the world; our development of, and involvement in, new areas of research and technology; the influence of the enormous soft power from our creative industries these are all made easier by physical connectivity provided by aviation. Aviation is as fundamental to the success of a global trading nation as the telephone or the rule of law Safest form of travel As pilots, we have been pivotal in the development of aviation and its delivery of the safest form of travel. BALPA has always been central to this development from its creation to combat fatigue in 1937, through to being a founder member of IFALPA, and deep involvement in the development of the global regulations that underpin that incredible safety record. In its work over the past two years to enable the flexibility to collect crucial medical and other freight from the other side of the world, while protecting the vast majority of our members from opportunistic airline managements desire to change terms and conditions of employment, BALPAs membership has always stood up and been counted when necessary. Although the foundations are strong, my vision will not be realised without real work and change. The pressures of the pandemic on our industry mean we need to rebuild trust trust of the passengers to continue to fly with us, of the airlines in our ability to organise ourselves, and in each other that we will stand together. Well stand together as an industrial bargaining group to protect and enhance our employment; as a profession to protect and enhance the safety, security and development of our dynamic sector; and, when necessary, to protect each other. My job is to facilitate that togetherness, providing a strong and highly motivated staff structure to support our elected representatives, securing training and resources to enable our representatives to work efficiently and intelligently, and ensuring the information to and advocacy on behalf of the profession, to enhance our standing and influence in the wider industry and public sphere. My vision is of a BALPA to which every person who could be a member wants to be a member and of which all are proud to be a member.