What A Week to be an Airline Professional

The events of the US Airways ditching in the Hudson remind all of us that we are, above all else, safety professionals.  The training and ability that was displayed in New York last Friday shines a bright light on the value of investing in the safety infrastructure and the employees of our airline industry.  As frontline employees, flight attendants play an integral role.  Our hats are off to the remarkable competency displayed by the flight attendants of Flight 1549.

Whenever an event occurs on any flight, those of us who are in this profession feel involved no matter what name is displayed on the tail - we share a common bond.  As we watched those rafts hanging out of the doors, as we saw the people standing on the wing, we knew the commands that were shouted and the training that was involved to get to that point.  There’s a connection within all of us that runs deeper than the color of our uniforms or the shape of our wings. That connection is what transforms our jobs into a proud profession, able to stand up to the demands of air safety at a moment’s notice.  Sometimes there are those within our industry who forget that labor is a necessary and valuable commodity to an airline rather than a detriment.  This last week, they were reminded that pilots and flight attendants - together - put their lives on the line everyday to safely transport airline customers around the globe. 

Today, there is a shift in our nation’s consciousness.  There is a strong sense of hope for change, recognition and respect.  That shift is only a small nudge, however.  To continue the momentum of a grand social movement toward integrity and justice for all Americans, it requires involvement.  Middle class Americans now have an opportunity to regain some of the ground we’ve lost over past years.  It isn’t just about money, it’s also about respect and recognition within the workplace.  Hardworking Americans shoulder the burden of this society and do it proudly.  They should also share in the benefits of their efforts.  With the change that has taken place today at our government’s national level, opportunities will once again exist to restore our profession.  The walls of resistance are crumbling and our time is here.  In order to seize the opportunity of “change”, we all need to become an active, integral part of the process however.  With the collective efforts of many, a small push can magnify into a mighty shove.  With momentum on our side, we can realize great things.  This is just one more reason why it’s great to be an airline professional this week.