[8] In 1933, the decision by the National Labor Board to limit the flight time for pilots and co-pilots to 85 hours a month was the result of the union's first major lobbying campaign to make the skies safer.

[9] In the 1940s, numerous ALPA pilots enlisted in the military to help the United States battle the Axis powers during World War II.

In this era, crew fatigue became a greater concern for pilots, with the union successfully persuading the Civil Aeronautics Board to stop airlines from scheduling impractical flights.

[11] The Southern Airways strike of 1960–62, a conflict that ALPA winningly took on in a dispute over pilot wages, is the longest walkout in the union's history.

After another tragic 1994 crash, of American Eagle Flight 4184, a study of icing issues with the ATR 72 commenced, an inquiry ALPA was closely involved with.

In 2000, after years of advocacy by the association, the FAA approved ALPA's recommendations for Land and Hold Short Operations (LAHSO).

[17] ALPA has lobbied against attempts to rescind the "1,500-hour rule", which requires that pilots for commercial airlines must log 1,500 hours of flying before they can get their license.

[18][19] Critics of the rule say it is arbitrary and not based on scientific data, as well as raises the costs and time for prospective pilots to obtain certification.

[22] In July 2023, after four years of negotiations, a new labor deal was struck for United Airlines pilots, valued at $10 billion over the contract life.

[23] In September 2024, a strike was averted with Air Canada pilots after a new labor deal was struck which was valued at $1.9 billion over a four-year contract life.

While employed by a charter airline, Ambrosi was a strong supporter of labor representation and helped create a culture of safety.

Clapper previously served in several leadership roles at JetBlue, and recently was the Group A executive vice president for the union.