AIRLINE PILOTS' GUILD OF SRI LANKA (ALPGSL)
The notion was clear and it was never far away that a team was required to safeguard an airline and an industry like no other..……AVIATION. The men and women of the world responsible for this are all specialists in their own right; they are exception from the norms; in depth with life; well balanced professionals of the highest caliber and many are regarded as the pioneers of aviation.
Sri Lankan aviators, adding to the accomplishments of the aviators of the world had to deal with a different set of trials and tribulations. A harsh environment of having to fend from European industrialization, a three decade long civil war with hull losses, politics and Nature’s wrath many times over. The Sri Lankan Aviation industry has had formidable battles and yet the fights were won every time! Who are these aviators that fought our battles and made Sri Lanka a global aviation contender for the future?
The legendary stories of these aviators were marked by a beginning more than half a century ago, with the formation of Air Ceylon in 1947. Being under a European hierarchy, our pilots felt the grasp of aviation in Sri Lanka slipping away and the requirement for protection came in the way of forming a pilots association. These were troubled times of unfair salary caps, mistreated pilots, biased promotions and mere entry level-based politics. Many stood their ground in the face of global forces; such as the ‘flying dutchman’ who tested the waters; and some locals, even discarded their epaulettes out of the window in an air protest, stating that golden bars symbolizing authority does not replace the skill and responsibility of being a Ceylonese aviator. These aviators had an identity which was being taken away. The flag and legacy carrier Air Ceylon, was losing her authenticity and our pilots; envisioning a change, formed ranks as the Ceylon Airline Pilots’ Association (CALPA).
Taking advantage of the ideal geographical location of our Island, Air Lanka was formed in 1979 and expanded; seeing aircrafts such as the iconic B747 and the Tristar nL-1011 along with the DC8/B707/B737, to operate to the lateral compass ends of the globe. ACPG was no longer and appropriate name now and as a result, the Airline Pilots’ Guild of Sri Lanka (ALPGSL was formed. Europe to Japan became a frequency and to man the operation, globalizing the borders introduced biased employment standards. The Guild, once again rose to our defence and safeguarded and enhanced our benefits, welfare and the well being of our pilots and families. An equality which has been maintained throughout the years and will be maintained for the future. It has since gained world recognition for the pro-active role taken, in enhancing safety and operational viability.
The Airline Pilots’ Guild of Sri Lanka is now the foundation for every pilot; not just for benefits and job security, but a family in which there is future prosperity for young aviators to enrich their dreams,
Our mission is to help every pilot fulfill their potential and be a strength in the region, to influence and protect the safety of the industry and our most valuable commodity; our passengers.