Negotiating Committee Changes

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Fellow Members,

Capt. Jay Killen and Capt. Jim Cole informed the Executive Board-elect that they have resigned their positions on the Negotiating Committee (NC).

In the face of a long and often contentious negotiation over a new contract, Jay and Jim have been unwavering and skillful advocates for the membership. The Executive Board-elect extends its sincere gratitude and appreciation to both for their hard work, ability, and continuing dedication to the pilot group. They have made themselves available to consult and provide input to the NC as the contract negotiation moves forward, as needed.

We know the entire membership joins us in thanking Jay and Jim as we all strive to achieve the new contract Allegiant pilots expect and deserve.

NC members Capt. John McDonald, Capt. Byron Girmscheid and Capt. Scott Whitman along with our IBT and Local 2118 legal counsel and economist are meeting this week in Las Vegas for negotiations with the company. Local 2118 President-elect Ryan Joseph will also join negotiations this week. The NC, along with the entire Union from top to bottom, is fully committed to negotiating a new contract the membership can proudly ratify.

Fraternally,

APA Local 2118

Important Reminder: MFA Notice for APA2118 Pilots

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Allegiant Pilots,

 

Microsoft now requires multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all email accounts as part of updated security standards. To ensure uninterrupted access to your union email, all pilots using an APA2118.org address must have MFA enabled by March 1.
You may find this video to be helpful:
What This Means for You
  • When you sign in to your APA2118 email, you will be asked to verify your identity using a second authentication method (Microsoft Authenticator app).
  • If you already have MFA set up, no further action is required.
  • If you have not enabled MFA, you must complete the setup before March 1 to avoid losing access to your APA2118.org email.
Action Required
  • Confirm that you have at least one MFA method registered.
  • The Microsoft Authenticator app is the recommended method.
  • If you have not set up MFA yet, please follow the steps below.
  • If you need assistance, feel free to reach out and I’ll be happy to help.
How to Set Up MFA
1. Sign in
Go to: https://aka.ms/setupmfa
Sign in with your APA2118.org email and password.
2. Install the Microsoft Authenticator App 
iPhone (App Store):
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/microsoft-authenticator/id983156458
Android (Google Play):
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.azure.authenticator&hl=en_US
Then complete these steps:
  • Open the Microsoft Authenticator app
  • Tap Add account
  • Select Work account
  • Scan the QR code shown on your computer
  • Approve the test notification
Once completed, MFA will be active, and no additional steps are required.
Thank you for completing this important security requirement.

Updates from the Hotel & Jumpseat Committees

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Allegiant Pilots,

We have timely updates for you all from our Hotel Committee and
Jumpseat Committee.

Update from Hotel Committee

The hotel committee is aware of current situation in the western portion of Mexico.
We have multiple charters to Cancun this week including some overnights. Currently Cancun is NOT affected however if you are scheduled to operate any of these charters and are overnighting be extremely vigilant of your surroundings and exercise extreme caution. Do your best to downplay that you are a crewmember as we are high value targets. The hotel we use there is safe and has security as well as an onsite restaurant. We have been told that Corporate security is keeping a close eye on things and the company will notify crews if there are any changes to the situation. Please reach out if you have any travel or hotel issues.
Email:
hotel@apa2118.org

Update from Jumpseat Committee

The Jumpseat Committee has received information from the Chief Pilot’s office regarding the status of KCM and TSA PreCheck with the government shutdown. At this point, KCM portals are not affected and there is no immediate planned shutdown of PreCheck. Lane closures, if required, will be communicated in advance to the greatest extent possible. TSA will remain in continuous communication with the company as conditions develop. As this situation is fluid, expect possible changes and give yourself extra time at the airport in case things change unexpectedly.
Email:
jumpseat@apa2118.org

Fraternally,

APA Local 2118

Allegiant Pilot Townhall Summary – February 2026

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Allegiant Pilot Townhall Summary

Purpose: Provide factual updates on the proposed acquisition of Sun Country Airlines, explain the merger and seniority integration process, and answer pilot questions with input from experienced legal and economic advisors.

Presenters & Roles

  • Executive Board (elect): Ryan Joseph (President), Hansel Duran (VP), Fihmi Rossman (Recording Sec.), Greg Harris (Sec.-Treas.), Trustees: Brandon Wood, Genie Moy, Barron Howard.
  • Subject Matter Experts:
    • Josh Shiffrin (Merger & Acquisition Counsel)
    • Matt Barton (Contract Economist; Flight Path Economics)

1) Transaction Overview & Process (M&A Counsel)

Typical Merger Milestones (order can vary)

  • Announcement → sets the constructive notice date (post-announcement hires typically integrated by date of hire).
  • Transition & Process Agreement (TPA): Early, four-party agreement (both carriers + both pilot groups) defining process, info access, dispute resolution, timelines, potential equipment fences during transition, and whether/how to conduct JCBA talks and arbitration backstops.
  • Regulatory: DOJ antitrust review; DOT certification; then corporate closing.
  • JCBA Negotiations: Needed to run a combined operation under unified rules.
  • FAA SOC: Safety/training/manuals integration.
  • NMB Single Transportation System: HR/policies integration; representation determination (election or accretion).
  • Seniority List Integration (SLI): Negotiate or arbitrate under the fair and equitable standard; implement list and JCBA.

SLI Legal Guardrails: McCaskill–Bond

  • Requires “fair and equitable” seniority integration. If the parties can’t agree, it goes to arbitration.
  • Arbitrators aim to avoid windfalls and minimize disruption, preserving legitimate pre-merger career expectations while recognizing merged realities.

What Arbitrators Consider (Common Factors)

  • Longevity (date of hire adjusted for furlough/interruptions).
  • Status & Category (fleet types, fleet counts, Captain/FO positions).
  • Career Expectations (standalone growth prospects, contract strength, furlough history, financial risk).
  • Modern Practice: Often a hybrid method blending longevity with status/category in a defined ratio, validated by upgrade and QoL metrics.

Representation

  • The NMB decides: accretion (no vote) if a very large group absorbs a much smaller one; otherwise, election likely when both groups are sizable.

2) Economics & Strategic Rationale (Economist)

Industry Context

  • Pre-pandemic Allegiant margins were >15% for years.
  • While many ULCCs have struggled post-pandemic, Allegiant and Sun Country are exceptions—both profitable and growing, alongside a small group of large carriers.

Why This Merger Makes Sense

  • Strategic Fit Claims (Mgmt): Similar peaky/seasonal demand patterns; fleet optimization; market access (e.g., more international opportunities, MSP feed); cargo revenue and charter scale; airport utilization and cost synergies, including reduced overhead duplication.
  • Key Integration Risks to Manage:
    • Concentration: Allegiant’s largest point of sale ≈ 6% vs. Sun Country’s ~44% concentrated in MSP.
    • Competition Exposure: ~88% of Allegiant markets are non-competitive; Sun Country competes head-to-head on many Delta routes out of MSP.

Synergies & Profitability

  • Company has cited ~$140M annual net synergies (mostly revenue; includes labor dis-synergies).
  • 2025 operating margins: Allegiant ~6%, Sun Country ~9%. Combined with synergies could exceed 10%, a meaningful uplift (but not yet back to pre-pandemic ~16%; some improvement must be organic).
  • Financial Accretion: Roughly $200M cash + stock to acquire ~$100M/year in operating profit (based on 2025 run-rate)—immediately accretive to operating profit per share and future cash flow.

3) Negotiations & Contract Topics

Current Status

  • Active focus: Section 15 (PBS LOA) / NavBlue—guardrails and parameters under negotiation.
  • Sessions: Feb 23, 26–27 (mediated).
  • The Board and NC report meaningful progress in the past 6 weeks.
  • Goal is a high-quality agreement as soon as practical; quality over speed.

Surveys / “Data-Driven” Commitment

  • Survey infrastructure is ready (vendors vetted: UNH, Qualtrics).
  • Temporarily paused to avoid disrupting Section 15 momentum; will re-evaluate after February sessions.
  • Movement toward company asks will only occur in exchange for value elsewhere.

PBS vs. CBI

  • Company has made clear CBI is not a sustainable solution for its needs.
  • NavBlue PBS brings company efficiency → the union’s approach is pays-for-plays.
  • Education on PBS and unstacking will be provided before surveying.

Retention Bonus

  • Company declined to accelerate payout; it remains tied to ratification (payable within 60 days of a new CBA or a JCBA).
  • No union dues withheld from the retention bonus.
  • Paid as W-2 income via normal payroll (not eligible for 401(k) contributions under current terms).

4) Representation, JCBA, and Timeline

Representation

  • NMB determines election vs. accretion after single transportation system finding. Given sizes, an election is likely.
  • If Teamsters prevail and no JCBA is yet in place: Allegiant’s CBA scope suggests Sun Country pilots would operate under the Allegiant CBA until amended.
  • If ALPA prevails before a new Allegiant CBA exists, both groups would likely remain under their existing CBAs until a JCBA is negotiated/ratified.

JCBA Process

  • Defined by the TPA.
  • Likely structure: A joint committee negotiates with the company; pilot side typically seeks “best of both” outcomes.

Fences & Protections

  • Transition fences are common in TPAs pre-integration.
  • No-bump/no-flush protection: nobody loses their current seat solely due to a new list.
  • Displacements from base or equipment changes are management decisions; negotiated protections may apply.
  • Companies avoid mass disruptions due to training cost and operational complexity.

Timelines

  • Company has floated an Aug–Sep target for regulatory approvals/closing.
  • Full end state commonly takes ~12–24 months.
  • Low competition overlap reduces antitrust friction, though timing variables remain.

5) Base/Staffing/Allentown & Operations Questions

  • Allentown (ABE): Risk assessed as very low that ABE pilots who want to remain cannot remain post-Phase 2.
  • Post-Merger Bases & Pairings: More operational information expected via March filings.
  • Hiring: Likely follows combined operational needs (growth focus: 737 side).

6) Trusteeship, War Chest & Admin

  • Trusteeship → Self-Governance: Complete training, demonstrate controls, hold GMM (Mar 11); target March–April release window.
  • Local Financials: Approx. $8.4M on hand.
  • War Chest Use: Active and expected to increase as needed.
  • SPC Actions: Temporarily paused; reassessment post-sessions.

7) Frequently Asked Clarifications

  • Will the DOT/FAA “force” a CBA? No. Labor falls under NMB.
  • Does “fair and equitable” equal pure date-of-hire? Not necessarily; hybrid approaches are common.
  • Will Sun Country pilots take Allegiant seats after SLI? Not by virtue of the list alone.
  • Retention bonus taxation/401(k): W-2 income; no 401(k); no dues withheld.
  • Attendance: ~320 pilots attended.

8) Closing Message from the Board

  • There is an established legal and procedural framework governing acquisitions and SLI.
  • The Board’s mandate is to protect the seniority list and long-term interests.
  • Communication will continue as developments occur.

What to Watch Next

  • Section 15 PBS LOA sessions and post-session update.
  • March public filings for operational detail.
  • Mar 11 GMM (trusteeship milestone).
  • Potential TPA coordination with Sun Country MEC.
  • Survey launch after Section 15 milestone.

View the recording here: Allegiant Pilot Townhall – February 2026

Allegiant Pilots Town Hall Meeting Agenda

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Allegiant Pilots,

Introduction

We understand that trust must be rebuilt and that the pilot group expects transparency, clarity, and direct access to the information that matters most. As your newly elected Executive Board, we have taken that message seriously.

While it is important to hear directly from your Local leadership, we also recognize that during complex and high stakes moments the membership must hear directly from the experts in the field. Right now our pilot group is navigating significant matters including the Allegiant acquisition of Sun Country, the impending seniority integration, and contract negotiations. These topics require deep technical knowledge and clear explanations.

To that end, the Executive Board will be placing subject matter experts on this upcoming townhall. These professionals are leaders in their respective disciplines, and their presentations will reflect the depth of their experience and expertise. They will provide clear analysis, practical insight, and informed perspective to ensure members have the information needed to understand what lies ahead.

Agenda

1. Opening Remarks 

Presenter:

  • Call to order – Recording Secretary Elect Captain Fihmi Rossman
  • Leadership opening remarks – Captain Ryan Joseph President Elect
  • Welcome and call to order
  • Purpose and goals of the town hall
  • Commitment to transparency, clarity, and rebuilding trust

2. Expert Presentations

This segment is dedicated to hearing directly from the professionals who advise and support the pilot group.

Joshua B. Shiffrin – Merger and Acquisition Attorney

  • Overview of the Allegiant acquisition of Sun Country
  • How the merger process works and what pilots should expect
  • Seniority integration overview and timeline expectations

Matt Barton – Contract Economist

  • Economic analysis of the current contract position
  • Industry trends and negotiating leverage
  • Long term economic outlook for the pilot group

Nate Ring – Local General Counsel

  • Legal framework supporting the Local
  • Legal considerations during merger and negotiations

3. Open Question and Answer Session

  • Live questions from the pilot group

4. President’s Remarks

Presenter: Captain Ryan Joseph President Elect

  • Closing remarks


Adjournment

 

Meeting Details

Date: Wednesday, February 18, 2026

Time: 11:00 AM PT

Link to Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_7dGRWZMxQquD8sZJshtxug

 

Fraternally,

APA Local 2118

Update from the Jumpseat Committee – Feb 16

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Allegiant Pilots,

The following is an update from your Jumpseat Committee.

After speaking with the Chief Pilot’s Office, the Jumpseat Committee would like to provide further clarification on the 2/13/26 jumpseat update from the Chief Pilot’s Desk.

If Allegiant or OAL jumpseaters list on their respective listing methods before arriving at the gate (AAY on ID90 and OAL on MyIDTravel) nothing is changing in the jumpseat procedure. If jumpseaters have not listed online before arriving at the gate, they will only be able to occupy the cockpit jumpseat even if there are available seats in the cabin.

To avoid any confusion or issues, we highly encourage all jumpseaters to list before arriving at the gate.

If you have any further questions, please reach out to your Jumpseat Committee [ jumpseat@apa2118.org ] reps or your Regional Chief Pilot.

Fraternally,

APA Local 2118

Negotiating Committee Update – Feb 14, 2026

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Fellow Pilots,

The Negotiating Committee met with the company this week in Las Vegas on 9-12 February for Mediated negotiation sessions.

On Monday, the company provided the NC with a term sheet outlining the basis for a PBS LOA which was similar as their previous proposals. On Tuesday, to break the logjam on scheduling the NC passed the company a term sheet which included significant movement from the Union’s previous proposal.

Both parties caucused separately on Wednesday and met again for further discussions on Thursday. During the Thursday session, the NC answered questions and clarified the terms of our proposal. Additionally, the company introduced additional items for discussion.

The company will continue to review the Union’s term sheet in preparation for providing a response.

The next mediation sessions are scheduled for February 26th and 27th, followed by March 9th-11th. We will provide an update following the next mediation session.

Your Union remains focused on securing the contract Allegiant Pilots deserve. With your continued support and unity, we will achieve our collective objective.

In Unity,

Negotiating Committee
Allegiant Air Pilots
Teamsters APA Local 2118

Update from the Hotel Committee – February 2026

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Allegiant Pilots,

The following is an update from your Hotel Committee.

Following our recent meeting with the Travel Department and in response to several issues observed online, we’d like to provide the pilot group with a few important updates:

Spirit Airlines Tickets

Due to ongoing uncertainty surrounding Spirit Airlines’ ability to operate its scheduled flights, the Company has decided to indefinitely prohibit all deadhead (DH) travel on Spirit. Requests for DH travel on Spirit will not be honored unless deemed absolutely operationally necessary.

Taxis Requiring Cash

We’ve received several recent reports, especially during international operations, of crews being required to pay for taxis in cash after the ride. In many cases, this has forced crews to locate an ATM, which may present safety risks depending on the location. To avoid this situation, please confirm before entering the vehicle that credit card payment is accepted.

As a reminder, per the CBA:

If no transportation is curbside within 1 hour after block-in (or 45 minutes after duty-off), the crewmember may obtain their own taxi and submit a Chrome River reimbursement.

Rental Cars

  • The CBA does not require rental cars for any situation at Allegiant, including training events, VBD/TDY assignments, or charters.
  • Rental cars may be provided on a very limited basis, primarily when a hotel shuttle is not available.
  • Assignment of rental cars is at the Company’s discretion.
  • If you do not receive a rental car during a layover, please do not contact Crew Travel or the CP’s office to request one, they will refer you back to the Hotel Committee.
  • On charter trips, you may observe that charter representatives have rental cars issued to them. This is due to the nature of their duties, which sometimes require a vehicle, even when the crew is not assigned one.

VBD DH Requests

  • For pilots on TDY or VBD, please be mindful of the monthly submission deadlines for DH travel requests.
  • If a request is not submitted by the specified deadline (or if no preference is indicated), Crew Travel will book the default scheduled DH.
  • Once booked, DH arrangements will not be changed retroactively.

Please don’t hesitate to contact the Hotel Committee [ hotel@apa2118.org ] with any questions or concerns.

Fraternally,

APA Local 2118

APA Local 2118 Town Hall Meeting – February 18

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Allegiant Pilots,

Please join us for a Town Hall Meeting on Wednesday, February 18 at 11:00 AM Pacific Time, held via Zoom.

This meeting will provide general informational updates regarding the recently announced acquisition of Sun Country Airlines.

Joining the Town Hall:

• Merger & Acquisition Attorney

• Contract Economist

• Local’s General Counsel

• APA Local 2118 Leadership

This is your union and your voice. We encourage all pilots to register, participate, and remain engaged as we navigate this important development together.

Meeting Details

Date: Wednesday, February 18, 2026

Time: 11:00 AM PT

Link to Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_7dGRWZMxQquD8sZJshtxug

We look forward to your participation.

Fraternally,

APA Local 2118

Welcome to Allegiant Pilot Assistance Network (A-PAN)

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Allegiant Pilot Assistance Network (A-PAN)

The Critical Incident Response Program (CIRP) and Peer 2 Peer are excited to announce a new name and new level of support to our pilots.

Allegiant Pilot Assistance Network (A-PAN) will be the network continuing to support you through experienced Critical Incidents (CI) and personal challenges via Peer Support (PS). This change reflects a more robust level of support as we all face many challenges that originate inside and outside the flight deck.

Unlike mentoring, the A-PAN program utilizes peers from a variety of backgrounds trained to help deal with grief, natural disasters, domestic challenges, longer-term stressors and flight deck related non-normal experiences. Many of these peer volunteers are involved in other committees, training centers and bases throughout our system.

We want to support you with whatever life brings your way and, all too often, life deals a lot at once. We are here to listen and provide context from the perspective we all share with both PS and CI support.

For those who have benefited, more is coming your way in late April as we train a full team of PS specialists. For now, Liana Hart and Gerry Merk are your PS points of contact.

A number of our volunteers are CIRP trained to support as we learn of incidents, so please continue to email notifications to our new address:
APAN@APA2118.org.

Relating to the Committee Page

The Allegiant Pilots Assistance Network (A-PAN) supports pilots in two distinct areas:

  • Critical Incident(s) (CI): to mitigate the impact of an accident or incident before stress reactions damage job performance, careers, family, and/or health
  • Pilot Peer Support (PS): support for personal challenges

Critical Incident Examples

  • Landing with flat tire or landing gear malfunction
  • Runway excursion
  • Diversion or air return for system failure or significant weather issues
  • Flight attendant injury or incapacitated crewmember
  • QRH / ECAM “LAND ASAP”
  • Aircraft damage of significant nature
  • Death on aircraft
  • Checkride failures

Peer Support Examples

  • Checkride failures
  • Training delays
  • Family troubles
  • Stressful experiences
  • Job performance concerns
  • Significant health concerns
  • Death or terminal illness within family or close friend group (grief support)
  • Anxiety or depressive concerns
  • Suicide or suicidal thoughts
  • Overwhelming feelings that don’t go away

What CIRP and Peer Support Are Not

  • Not therapy
  • Not procedure-focused
  • Not discipline
  • Not advising or fixing

In processing events in a timely manner, we recover more fully and completely. This is the aim of CI peer volunteers. In confidential sharing of personal stressors and challenges, we are able to conceptualize overwhelming feelings.

Volunteers use listening skills to assist their peers in processing events. This process reduces illness and anxiety and helps individuals continue performing long-term. All discussions are highly confidential and no notes are kept. It is best to contact A-PAN via phone to protect privacy.

Self-Care

Grounding techniques to reconnect with your body and remain present:

  • Breathing exercises
  • Sensory exercises (non-visual, visual, and movement-based)
  • Kinetic motion (cardio, yoga, tai chi, dance)
  • Artistic exercises (music, writing, coloring, sketching)
  • Visualization exercises
  1. Visualize a past success and the steps that led you there.
  2. Visualize a future moment where your aspirations are fulfilled.
  3. Visualize a near-present “happy place” and reflect on its meaning.

The more grounding techniques are practiced, the easier they become.

Confidant Care

Techniques with trusted individuals or Peer Support Volunteers:

  1. Apply self-care techniques first.
  2. Confirm availability, privacy, and trust.
  3. Maintain confidentiality.
  4. Share chronologically and express emotions honestly.
  5. Ask for feedback.
  6. Consider follow-up support.

Professional Care

Guidance for engaging professional support resources:

  1. Remain calm—this is a safe space.
  2. Prepare wisely and ensure privacy.
  3. Use sessions to talk openly without seeking diagnosis.
  4. Allow emotional processing.
  5. Follow up with self-care and peer support.

Always know there is someone who wants to help. If you experience overwhelming feelings of self-harm or suicide, call 988 or go to an emergency room.