Updates from the Hotel & Jumpseat Committees

/by

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

/by

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

/by

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

/by

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

/by

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

/by

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

/by

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

Union Update Regarding ABE Fleet Transition

/by

Allegiant Pilots,

We want to provide a general update regarding the Company’s announcement about a planned fleet transition at the Allentown (ABE) base.

The Company approached the Union last week, and the Union is aware and actively engaged while following the appropriate contractual and legal processes. After reviewing data and projections, the Union declined the Company’s request to implement this transition through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

Any displacement or position changes related to fleet transitions are governed by Section 12.L of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, which provides clear protections for pilots, including advance notice, seniority-based displacement rights, bidding opportunities, and pay based on awarded positions.

Seniority protections remain a top priority in any fleet transition where a base remains open. The Union continues to monitor developments and is prepared to take action, including filing a group grievance if necessary.

A more detailed update has been sent directly to ABE-based pilots. We will continue to keep the pilot group informed as this process develops.

Questions may be directed to the Executive Board at executiveboard@apa2118.org.

In Unity,

APA Local 2118

Negotiating Committee Update – January 30, 2026

/by

Fellow Pilots,

A great deal has transpired over the past several weeks regarding negotiations, not the least of which was a change within the Negotiating Committee. These changes have brought a fresh set of eyes and perspectives to the team. However, something that has not changed and continues to be true is that we are all Allegiant pilots, and we share the same frustrations this group has collectively experienced over the last several years. Although there was a partial change in personnel, we intend to build on the foundation built by the previous members of the team by fighting for and achieving a contract worthy of this pilot group.

As was mentioned in the previous negotiating update the NC held mediated meetings with the company on January 14 and 15 in Las Vegas. At those sessions, the Company expressed an interest in meeting more frequently, to include outside of mediation, with the stated goal of reaching a tentative agreement in the near term. This is welcome news! More frequent meetings are a must if we want to close out these negotiations. However, make no mistake, this team remains deliberate in pursuing a collective bargaining agreement that reflects the hard work and dedication this pilot group deserves.

To that end, we will meet the company February 9-12 at Allegiant Headquarters in Las Vegas. These meetings will focus primarily on PBS and Section 15 (Scheduling) in hopes of breaking through the deadlock on the outstanding items in those sections. All parties agree that resolving the outstanding scheduling issues is a critical step toward achieving a tentative agreement and establishing a clear path forward. That is what we intend to do.

The last few weeks since the formation of the new team, has been spent getting the new members of the team (Captain John McDonald, Captain Scott Whitman, and Captain Byron Girmscheid) up to speed, to include a thorough briefing on our extensive negotiating history, detailed procedures on NavBlue PBS technical operations, relevant industry PBS agreements, and other negotiation-specific housekeeping items.

Shortly before our last mediated negotiation session, Allegiant announced the acquisition of Sun Country Airlines. We understand this announcement has generated numerous questions, many of which will be answered by Union Leadership over the next few weeks. However, from a negotiations standpoint, the Company has expressed an interest in achieving a standalone Allegiant collective bargaining agreement prior to any joint collective bargaining processes with our brothers and sisters at Sun Country.

What does this mean for Allegiant pilots? We believe this development may serve as a strong motivator for the Company to negotiate in good faith and finally fulfill the commitments repeatedly made to this pilot group. As a team, we share varying degrees of cautious optimism regarding the transaction. We are standing by to work with the company to craft an agreement that works for both the company and this pilot group.

Look for our next update following the in-person negotiating sessions scheduled for February 9-12. You are the lifeblood of our industry-leading airline, and your continued commitment to the operation deserves to be recognized and compensated accordingly. This team will fight to ensure that happens.

Below you will find introductions to the new members of the Negotiating Committee. If you have questions or concerns, please email negotiations@apa2118.org.

In Unity,

Negotiating Committee
Allegiant Air Pilots
Teamsters APA Local 2118

Captain Scott Whitman
My name is Captain Scott Whitman and I am one of the newest members of the Negotiating Committee and a twenty-two year veteran at Allegiant. I have been a previous Negotiating Chairman and I am familiar with the process and the task ahead. I look forward to representing the Allegiant Pilots and achieving the industry standard contract that we have fought for and deserve.

Captain Byron Girmscheid
My name is Captain Byron Girmscheid, and I have been entrusted by our newly elected Executive Board to serve as a Negotiator in the fight for the contract we all deserve as Allegiant Pilots. I have proudly served this pilot group in multiple roles within our Local Union, including six years as a Steward. I also bring over ten years of experience at Allegiant, having flown as a First Officer and Captain on the MD-80 and currently as a Captain on the Airbus. Throughout my career here, I have had the opportunity to work across nearly every corner of our operation, with bases in VBD, VPS, and now AVL. I am energized by the newly formed team and cautiously optimistic about what lies ahead. I take this responsibility seriously and will always fight for this pilot group. Your professionalism, dedication, and commitment to this career continue to inspire me, and I am honored to represent you at the negotiating table. Speaking for myself, I believe this team brings a wide range of perspectives and technical expertise that will be invaluable as we move forward.

Captain John McDonald
My name is John McDonald, and I am a captain based in Cincinnati. I began my career with Allegiant in August of 2015, and I am honored to serve on this negotiating team. I am fully committed to representing you, my fellow pilots, and to fighting for the contract we have earned and deserve. Your voices have been heard, and my responsibility is to carry them forward. This has been a long and hard-fought battle, driven by the dedication of many before me. While I am new to this team, I share that same commitment and will continue the work necessary to see this effort through. I understand that our airline and our operation are unique—but our jobs as aviators are not. We deserve a contract that stands on par with our brothers and sisters across the industry. You recognize that, and so do we. Together, we will secure a contract we deserve and one we can be proud of.

Executive Board Update – January 30, 2026

/by
In This Update:

Allegiant & Sun Country Merger Update

While officer training was the primary focus of the week, the Executive Board also dedicated significant time to preparation related to the Allegiant–Sun Country merger. We met with legal experts who specialize in airline mergers, along with our union economist, labor counsel, advisors, and IBT leadership, to address key merger-related considerations.

These discussions covered areas such as costing, negotiation strategy, duty of fair representation, and the handling of grievances and disciplinary matters. The goal of this work is to ensure a thoughtful, well-coordinated approach as we move from planning to execution, with a clear focus on representing Allegiant pilots effectively and protecting their interests throughout the merger process.

Committees Update 

Committee volunteers are the heart of our Union and crucial to our success. With over 20 committees and more than 90 committee volunteers, it is easy to overlook progress and lose sight of priorities. We have implemented a new structure to help open the lines of communication between our committees and the elected leadership. Our goal is to ensure bi-directional communication and support where needed. A member of the Executive Board has been appointed to each committee, serving as a conduit for communication between the elected officers and the committee itself. As our first step to bolster information sharing, we will be hosting regular meetings with the committees, the first of which took place this week.

Negotiations Update

Our next scheduled negotiation session will take place February 9–12 in Las Vegas. We remain fully committed to securing an agreement that meets the expectations of our pilots as quickly as possible. All parties involved in negotiations, our Negotiating Committee members, the Executive Board, legal counsel, and our Trustee, are aligned and prepared to bring negotiations to an end. Look out for a individual update this evening from the Negotiating Committee.

Pilot Townhall Meeting

We look forward to connecting with you and will be hosting a pilot town hall meeting on February 18, with the time to be announced. This town hall will be conducted as a Zoom meeting and will provide a comprehensive update on the merger. To ensure the discussion addresses the topics most important to the pilot group, we will be collecting questions in advance. The Zoom link and instructions for submitting questions, will be emailed to the pilot group. Please keep an eye on your inbox for the link to register for the townhall.

Trusteeship & Executive Board Officer Training 

Last week, your newly elected Executive Board officers completed a week of intensive training in Las Vegas. This training focused on ensuring the Local Union is properly governed and well positioned as we move forward following trusteeship. Additional New Officer Training with the International is scheduled for the week of February 9 in Washington, DC. During this period, the Executive Board has also met with legal counsel, advisors, and other union professionals to review required rules, procedures, and best practices.

Questions – We are always here! 

We would like to remind you that our union’s committee structure is designed to address a broad range of workplace matters, including safety, jumpseat access, and professional standards.

When an issue arises, best practice is to begin with the Union Committee most closely aligned with your concern. In particular, the Stewards Committee is one of the most valuable resources available to our pilot group and is often an excellent starting point if you are unsure where to seek assistance. Additionally, the virtual door to your Executive Board officers is always open. Contact us at any time by email at executiveboard@apa2118.org. We appreciate the trust you have placed in us and look forward to continuing to serve you.

 

Fraternally,

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

Executive Board
APA Teamsters Local 2118