AA Cancels All Flights to Venezuela 15 Mar 2019
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American Airlines union advises pilots not fly to Venezuela
The Allied Pilots Association union that represents 15,000 American Airlines pilots is warning its members not to fly to Venezuela.
The statement comes amid the U.S. State Department reissuing its Level 4 Travel Advisory for Venezuela earlier this week.
The statement comes amid the U.S. State Department reissuing its Level 4 Travel Advisory for Venezuela earlier this week.
"In its Travel Advisory, the U.S. Department of State cites 'crime, civil unrest, poor health infrastructure, and arbitrary arrest and detention of U.S. citizens,' " according to the association's note, sent to USA TODAY by communications committee chairman Captain Dennis Tajer. "The Travel Advisory also notes that 'violent crime, such as homicide, armed robbery, kidnapping, and carjacking, is common,' and recommends that U.S. residents 'traveling in Venezuela should depart Venezuela
"Until further notice, if you are scheduled, assigned, or reassigned a pairing into Venezuela, refuse the assignment by calling your Chief Pilot or IOC Duty Pilot ... ," the note said. "Inform them that you are refusing the assignment in accordance with the direction of the U.S. Department of State.
Last edited by JDiver; Mar 15, 2019 at 7:55 pm Reason: Restore original post title after flights cancellation
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I find this odd. Figure they'd make it a volunteer route with hazard pay or something.
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AA doesn't want to lose any aircraft down there either.
It probably wasn't a very profitable route anyway and likely less so with all of the disruption.
It probably wasn't a very profitable route anyway and likely less so with all of the disruption.
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The US has pulled the last of its embassy personnel. While the US has not been able to do much in Venezuela for a bit, it is now not able to do anything. AA cannot protect its employees or its aircraft and my guess is that the market for travel to the country has dropped at the same rate as its economy as has the number of people able to pay in USD.
Bottom line, this route was not likely to make it even if the diplomatic situation remained acceptable.
On March 11, 2019, the U.S. Department of State announced the temporary suspension of operations of the U.S. Embassy in Caracas and the withdrawal of diplomatic personnel from Venezuela. The U.S. Embassy in Caracas is not providing any consular services. U.S. citizens residing or traveling in Venezuela should depart Venezuela. Commercial flights remain available.
Bottom line, this route was not likely to make it even if the diplomatic situation remained acceptable.
On March 11, 2019, the U.S. Department of State announced the temporary suspension of operations of the U.S. Embassy in Caracas and the withdrawal of diplomatic personnel from Venezuela. The U.S. Embassy in Caracas is not providing any consular services. U.S. citizens residing or traveling in Venezuela should depart Venezuela. Commercial flights remain available.
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Does the union contract not allow for volunteer assignments with hazard pay? I've been to far more dangerous places than doing a turn in CCS; was a function of my willingness and the right incentives.
or maybe no one took it up?
Last edited by Antarius; Mar 16, 2019 at 1:50 pm