If you are reading this, then you are probably already a member of BALPA. However, its entirely likely you are reading this having picked up a copy from a crew room or one left on an aircraft. The message I need you all to hear is why it is important to either remain or become a member of the Association. We are the biggest association of pilots in the UK, but we are also a trade union and membership delivers benefits and protections beyond pay and terms and conditions. BALPA continues to engage with regulators, manufacturers and politicians to improve your life as a pilot. Anyone who works and who cares about their pay and conditions, holiday entitlement, pension, sickness benefits, health and safety, equality the list goes on needs a trade union. Going on strike in the UK is difficult and is always the last resort for workers and trade unions. But the right to withdraw labour is and should remain a right. BALPA will continue to engage to ensure the minimum servicelevel legislation does not affect your rights. At our annual conference, we were briefed on the work manufacturers have dedicated to the introduction of single pilot operation. This must be consigned to the room 101 of terrible aviation ideas. Along with our international partners IFALPA and ECA, we will campaign that #Safety starts with 2. Upfront The latest in aviation and industrial news from around the world N E WS Executive Presidents welcome Meet BALPAs new leaders Following National Executive Council (NEC) elections and a vote at ADC, Paul Copland (British Airways) has been elected as BALPAs new executive president. He will be supported by Simon Williams (easyJet) as BALPAs executive vice-president. Copland and Williams will be joined on the NEC by: John Bell (Bristow), Kate Beesley (British Airways), Sean Casey (easyJet), Mike Davidson (British Airways), Andrew Hammond (British Airways), David Heaven (self-employed), Mark Karim (TUI), Simon Morgan (Virgin Atlantic), Miranda Rackley (Interim General Secretary), Hugh Sheils (easyJet), Adam Walker (TUI), Sam Walkinshaw (Jet2.com). For those who dont know him, Copland is an experienced rep who joined the NEC last year. In that time, he has chaired the NECs Industrial Relations Sub Committee, helping to guide Company Councils through industrial negotiations. He believes strongly in the importance of a single BALPA uniting every representative at all companies, all our members whatever or wherever they fly and all our staff. Read more in our feature on page 12. Towards net zero The recent completion of a transatlantic flight using sustainable aviation fuel is to be applauded but BALPA also has a part to play in the march towards net zero. Our livelihoods remain in the spotlight, and we must continue campaigning for actions that will deliver immediate change. By engaging at the highest levels, we can protect the industry and mitigate the effects on the environment. I hope these are all good reasons for you to either remain a part of BALPA or join our union if you are not currently a member. May I end by wishing you a safe and prosperous winter season. Most of us will work across this period, with the distractions that will bring. Please stay safe and look after each other its what we do. Paul Copland, BALPA NEC Executive President and British Airways captain 7 THE LOG Win 24 pp07_08 News.indd 7 01/12/2023 14:34