A woman is to lead pilots’ union the British Airline Pilots’ Association for the first time in its 86-year history.
Amy Leversidge was elected unopposed as general secretary of Balpa.
She will take over from Miranda Rackley, who has acted as interim general secretary since Martin Chalk retired earlier this year.
Leversidge, who will take up her post on January 8, is currently the assistant general secretary at the FDA, the trade union for leaders in the Civil Service, and previously work at the Royal College of Midwives, leading its 2014 pay campaign.
She was nominated to the Balpa role by the National Executive Council after an “extensive and exhaustive” recruitment process.
Leversidge said: “I am looking forward to working with the excellent staff and elected reps to ensure Balpa continues to deliver real outcomes for pilots across the UK and is a strong and influential voice for the piloting profession.
“The airline industry contributes significantly to the UK economy and supports over a million jobs and pilots are at the heart of the industry.
“As the voice of UK pilots, Balpa will ensure our voice is influential with employers, regulators and government on the many challenges the airline industry faces.
“It is a privilege to be Balpa’s general secretary and to make history as the first woman in this vital leadership position in the union.
“I will work tirelessly for every member to ensure pilots are valued by all of our employers; to ensure we are influential around the opportunities and challenges in the future of the aviation industry; and most importantly that we focus on Balpa’s core principles of safety, strength and unity.”
Executive president Paul Copland said: “Amy’s experience in her previous roles will add an extra dimension to our team and will help us continue to represent pilots and ensure action is taken on the issues that matter to our members.”