The latest in aviation and industrial news from around the world A better process for EASA/UK licences Following BALPAs sustained pressure on the UK Government and the CAA since Brexit, a simplified procedure for a UK-licensed professional pilot to acquire an EASA licence has been published by several EASA member states. We are aware that the Austrian, Danish, Irish, Maltese and Norwegian authorities have similar processes to those published by the UK, which recognises that the UK licence was issued to precisely the same standards as other EASA states prior to the UK leaving EASA. Each process just requires a skills test and medical to apply, subject to validity conditions being met for theoretical exams and flying hours, and is a significant win for BALPA members. BALPA is appreciative of the work both UK Department for Transport and CAA officials have carried out to arrive at this common-sense solution. However, BALPA is continuing to lobby for a reciprocal, cost-free solution that spans the full EASA set of member states, and includes those who passed exams after 2020. We called for this in our recent Parliamentary Reception, secured coverage in the media, wrote to the Secretary of State for Transport, and had Parliamentary questions tabled on our behalf. Welcome to our new website Modern technology moves fast and, at BALPA, were keen to move with it and ensure our members have the best tools at their disposal. Thats why weve launched a new website and portal to act as a one-stop shop for everything BALPA. With sections for news, company-specific interaction and other areas of interest, its a new online home for the BALPA community. Read more about it in our full feature here. Executive Presidents welcome Paul Naylor We know that, for some members, being part of BALPA is simply about having somewhere to turn to in an emergency. This is just one facet of the trade union offering, but we pride ourselves on doing it well. In recent months, we have seen the importance of being part of the BALPA community time and again. In particular, being a member means your voice is heard at the highest political levels. As association stakeholders, you have a say on negotiations with employers and you can help us ensure we influence those who have a direct impact on the UK aviation industry. BALPA has always punched above its weight when it comes to influence. We are the only pilot union with access to airline management, regulators, the media and politicians at an unprecedented level. These relationships have been developed and nurtured over many years. We can take pride in the knowledge that we are able to host events, such as our recent Parliamentary Reception, that attract not only high-level politicians, such as Aviation Minister Baroness Vere, but also top airline management and some of the countrys leading transport journalists. The event, hosted at the end of February, enabled your reps to brief aviation stakeholders on the issues you say matter to you. Read more about it in our full feature here. The event has enabled BALPA to build on its connections with aviation decision- makers, to brief and influence them, and we will continue this work on your behalf over the coming months. Finally, you will see our brand refresh coming to fruition over the coming months. This involves mildly refreshed corporate branding, a new website (currently undergoing extensive testing) and a new strapline BALPA, the voice of UK pilots: safety, strength, unity. The upcoming flying season is likely to be intense. May all your flights be safe ones and, rest assured, well be here if or when you need us. Safe flying, Paul Naylor, BALPA NEC Executive President and easyJet captain NEWS Upfront