Coronavirus Grounding Growing Number of Pilots, Attendants

Hundreds of pilots and flight attendants at major U.S. airlines have tested positive for coronavirus infection, or for Covid-19, the disease caused by the virus, according to unions representing the workers. They’re part of an increasing number of in-flight workers who are being sidelined by the pandemic.

Airline flight crews should be considered first responders with priority for protective equipment, said Dennis Tajer, a spokesman for the Allied Pilots Association. Airlines also need to beef up health screenings for flight crews and passengers, including priority testing for crew members, said Tajer, whose union represents about 15,000 pilots at American Airlines ...