NetJets Pilots Challenge Warren Buffett in National Ad

The NetJets Association of Shared Aircraft Pilots (NJASAP), an independent pilot labor union representing pilots for Berkshire Hathaway subsidiary NetJets Aviation, Inc., placed a front-page ad in The Wall Street Journal directly addressing Berkshire Hathaway CEO Warren Buffett. This bold move follows deteriorating negotiations between NJASAP and NetJets, driven by the company’s refusal to offer market-rate wages to its pilots and implement sensible enhancements to scheduling practices.

NJASAP questions whether NetJets owners are receiving the value they expect from the brand’s premium pricing.

As the aviation industry faces a deepening labor crisis and intensifying competition to retain skilled aviators, NetJets’ stance has left the union bewildered. In their ad, NJASAP highlights NetJets’ failure to invest in its pilots, the individuals most responsible for delivering the brand’s services. They also question whether owners are truly receiving the expected value behind NetJets’ premium price tag. Notably, hundreds of pilots have departed the company this year alone to seek more lucrative opportunities elsewhere, with NJASAP anticipating a rapid increase in attrition during the first quarter of 2024.

NJASAP President Capt. Pedro Leroux stated, “We’re witnessing an unprecedented trend in aviation: Experienced pilots in their careers are leaving to start anew at the bottom of seniority lists at mainline carriers that recognize the value of retaining skilled aviators.” NetJets relies on high-caliber aviators, and owner satisfaction hinges on the assurance of having two experienced pilots in the cockpit. However, NetJets is experiencing a steady exodus of quality pilots, seemingly without concern from Berkshire Hathaway and NetJets executives.

During negotiations, NetJets has never argued that it cannot afford market-rate pilot wages or competitive contract adjustments, only that it is unwilling to do so. Crucially, overdue changes to scheduling practices would provide pilots, responsible for flying the world’s wealthiest to remote and challenging destinations, with more manageable duty periods.

NJASAP Negotiating Committee Chairman Capt. Mike Pascalar emphasized their commitment to finding solutions that benefit both parties but noted the company’s resistance to change and competitive adjustments. This is despite Berkshire Hathaway’s substantial $157.2 billion cash reserve.

“Despite Buffett and Berkshire Hathaway promoting NetJets as a luxury private air carrier, they are offering subpar compensation to pilots,” added NJASAP Vice President Capt. Paulette Gilbert. NetJets pilots are dissatisfied with earning only 60% of their counterparts at JetBlue, United, and Delta over a 30-year career. Gilbert also pointed out that outstanding pilots are leaving, with more expected to follow, posing challenges to NetJets’ promise of delivering exceptional owner experiences.

NetJets pilots are taking proactive steps to apply public pressure on the company, Buffett, and Berkshire Hathaway, including hosting informational pickets in Las Vegas and on Wall Street. Their next informational picket is scheduled for Friday, Dec. 8 at 1300 ET in conjunction with Art Basel in Miami.

Established in 2008 as an independent labor advocate, the NetJets Association of Shared Aircraft Pilots (NJASAP) represents the professional interests of over 3,200 pilots serving NetJets Aviation, Inc., a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, NJASAP