Update from Your Executive Board – January 9, 2026

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Fellow Pilots,

We would like to begin by thanking you for the professionalism you demonstrated throughout another demanding holiday season. Your expertise and dedication safely carried thousands of passengers during one of the busiest and most challenging periods of the year. Well done.

Over the past two weeks, your Local 2118 Executive Board has been working diligently to transition into office. We have begun the required training, which will continue throughout the month of January, focused on the roles, responsibilities, policies, and procedures of an IBT Executive Board. During the week of January 19, members from the General Secretary’s Office will travel to Las Vegas to conduct a portion of this training, and we look forward to welcoming them.

As part of our responsibilities, the Executive Board conducted a comprehensive internal review of the Negotiating Committee, including the performance of the Pilot Negotiators, support staff, and legal counsel. This review was conducted to ensure that all efforts remain fully focused on achieving a collective bargaining agreement that Allegiant pilots deserve. As a result, we would like to announce the current Local 2118 Negotiating Committee:

Captain Jay Killen BNA, Chairman
Captain John McDonald CVG, Pilot Negotiator
Captain Scott Whitman LAS, Pilot Negotiator
Captain Byron Girmscheid AVL, Pilot Negotiator
Captain Jim Cole PVU, Pilot Negotiator

We sincerely appreciate these individuals for their willingness to serve their fellow pilots. The Executive Board has authorized this team to utilize the resources necessary to pursue their objective: a contract that appropriately recognizes and rewards the contributions of this pilot group. Earlier this week, preparations began for upcoming mediation sessions scheduled for January 15 and 16. Additional mediation dates have been scheduled for February and March, and Local 2118 remains in active coordination with the company and the National Mediation Board to secure an increase in the number of negotiating sessions during this period.

In the weeks ahead, the Executive Board will conduct comprehensive reviews of each committee within Local 2118. These reviews are intended to hear directly from committee volunteers regarding their priorities, what has been effective, what has not, and what resources or support are needed to better represent our pilots. This process will also establish clear expectations for each committee moving forward. As progress is made, we will provide updates on any relevant changes.

We recognize that clear, timely, and consistent communication is essential to effective representation. To that end, we are implementing changes to the structure, cadence, and content of Local 2118 communications. Two of these changes will begin in the coming weeks:

Executive Board Update: A bi-weekly communication from the Local 2118 Executive Board highlighting ongoing work and important information for our membership.

Negotiations Update: A bi-weekly communication summarizing recent negotiating committee activity, progress made, and an outline of upcoming efforts. In addition, a separate communication will be issued following the conclusion of each bargaining session.

These updates reflect our commitment to providing clear, timely, and consistent communication regarding the work being performed on your behalf. There should be no uncertainty regarding the efforts undertaken to represent Allegiant pilots.

We remain committed to building Local 2118 into one of the strongest and most effective locals within the IBT Airline Division.

As always, fly safely.

Local 2118 Executive Board

Moving Forward: Update from Your Executive Board

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Fellow Pilots,

Since certification of the election results, the Blue Skies 2025 team has been preparing for a smooth transition as our term begins on January 1.

Last week, the Executive Board Elects began discussions with the Temporary Trustee. He has informed us that our IBT Oath of Office is scheduled for early January. This week, the Executive Board will sign the required non-disclosure agreements. These agreements will allow access to internal information necessary for continuity, oversight, and informed decision-making.

January Priorities

Negotiation Committee Personnel Review The Executive Board will conduct a comprehensive review of all individuals currently supporting negotiations, including contractors, labor counsel, pilot negotiators, and subject-matter experts. The objective is to clearly understand the structure, strategy, and status of negotiations. This review ensures the Board is fully informed and prepared to support the Negotiating Committee in their work toward a tentative agreement that reflects member priorities and can earn broad support.

Officer Training During January, the Executive Board will attend New Officer training in Las Vegas and Washington, D.C. hosted by the IBT. Training will cover governance responsibilities, fiduciary duties, member communications, grievance handling, and administrative requirements, among many others.

Operational and Administrative Training Following New Officer training, the Board will complete additional instruction specific to Local 2118 operations, including financial and dues administration, Flight Pay Loss processing, grievance workflows, recordkeeping, compliance, and reporting, and internal procedures supporting governance.

Our focus is to communicate clearly with the pilot group. We take the responsibility to represent our membership seriously and to protect the integrity of this Local and the profession we share.

Finally, As the year ends, we wish you and your families a happy and healthy holiday season. Thank you for your continued professionalism and support. Fly safe.

In Solidarity,

Ryan Joseph, President-Elect
Hansel Duran, Vice President-Elect
Gregory Harris, Secretary-Treasurer-Elect
Fihmi Rossman, Recording Secretary-Elect
Brandon Wood, Trustee-Elect
Genie Moy, Trustee-Elect
Barron Howard, Trustee-Elect

VFN Show Time Expectations

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Fellow Pilots,

As outlined in the most recent Chief Pilot’s Desk communication, if you accept a VFN, you are expected to be at the gate and ready to go at the posted show time. If you are not, you are exposed to discipline. The reason does not matter. Traffic and weather, among other reasons, are not protections and will not absolve you of your responsibility.

We have already seen disciplinary meetings tied directly to VFNs. These assignments place all the risk on the pilot and leave no margin for error when reporting for duty.

If there is any doubt about your ability to make the show time, please do not accept the VFN. Please do not call Crew Services to try to adjust or negotiate the assignment.

Thank you for the work you have done this holiday season and for looking out for one another. Fly safe and take care of yourselves and your families.

In Solidarity,

Strategic Preparedness Committee