The British Airline Pilots’ Association has welcomed recognition in AirTanker, bringing union representation to the pilots in the company.

AirTanker joins 21 other airlines such as British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, easyJet, Thomas Cook, DHL and Bristow, under BALPA recognition.

By becoming recognised within the airline, the union can now not only support members on an individual basis, but also negotiate in areas such as pay and lifestyle for the whole pilot workforce.

AirTanker, a joint venture by Babcock, Cobham, Airbus, Rolls Royce and Thales, provides services to the RAF’s Voyager Squadrons and runs its own civilian airline service, among other ventures. The company employs around 70 pilots and is based at RAF Brize Norton.

BALPA is undergoing a recruitment campaign to introduce all AirTanker pilots to the association’s work and bring more of them on board as members.

BALPA General Secretary, Brian Strutton, said:

“BALPA represents around 10,000 pilots across the UK and we’re delighted to bring another UK company into the pilot family.

“I’d like to thank the pilots in AirTanker who have led the charge for union recognition. We will continue to respond to the call from pilots who want to be represented.

“Since securing a voluntary agreement with the company we are now looking forward to developing a constructive relationship with them, which we believe will be beneficial to both pilots and the airline.”