Omni Air International Flight Attendants Secure Tentative Agreement with 40% Pay Increase

The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA-CWA) has officially announced that flight attendants at Omni Air International have reached a tentative agreement with airline management. The deal, confirmed by union communications specialist John Perry, covers nearly 300 crew members and addresses significant economic and quality-of-life concerns.

According to the union’s statement, the centerpiece of the agreement is a substantial pay adjustment. The AFA-CWA reports that the new contract includes a “40% pay increase,” a figure that aligns the charter carrier’s compensation packages with recent industry-leading standards. In addition to the economic gains, the agreement reportedly includes improvements to scheduling and work-life balance, critical factors for a workforce that operates on the irregular schedules typical of military and government charter operations.

Details of the Tentative Agreement

The tentative agreement marks the conclusion of a contentious negotiation period. The AFA-CWA has highlighted that the deal brings necessary relief to the flight attendants who crew Omni’s fleet of Boeing 767 and 777 aircraft. While the full text of the agreement is pending ratification by the membership, the union has released the top-line figures regarding compensation.

“Omni Flight Attendants have reached a Tentative Agreement for nearly 300 Flight Attendants. The agreement includes economic and quality of life improvements, most notably a 40% pay increase.”
, Association of Flight Attendants-CWA

The union has indicated that the agreement covers the entire bargaining unit of approximately 300 flight attendants. The ratification process will follow, during which members will review the full details and vote on whether to accept the terms.

Background: From Strike Authorization to Settlement

This agreement arrives after a period of heightened labor tension at the Tulsa-based carrier. According to historical union data and previous reports, Omni flight attendants signaled deep dissatisfaction with the status of negotiations earlier in the bargaining cycle.

In early 2024, the workgroup took decisive action to pressure management. Records show that in February and March of 2024, Omni flight attendants voted 100% in favor of authorizing a strike, with over 90% of eligible members participating in the ballot. At the time, the union threatened to deploy its trademarked “CHAOS™” (Create Havoc Around Our System) strategy, which involves intermittent and unannounced work stoppages designed to disrupt operations without a total walkout.

The unanimous strike authorization vote underscored the severity of the dispute, with union representatives previously characterizing management’s offers as inadequate regarding duty lengths and wages. The successful negotiation of this tentative agreement suggests that the credible threat of labor disruption played a role in bridging the gap between the parties.

AirPro News Analysis: Industry Context

The reported 40% pay increase is statistically significant within the current aviation landscape. We observe that this figure mirrors the benchmark set by flight attendants at major commercial carriers. For instance, in May 2025, United Airlines flight attendants secured a contract that included an approximate 40% economic improvement in the first year.

For a charter carrier like Omni Air International, which specializes in U.S. Department of Defense troop transport and government contracts, matching the percentage gains of commercial giants is a notable achievement. It indicates a “trickle-down” effect in labor negotiations, where standards set by legacy carriers (United, Delta, American) force smaller or specialized operators to increase compensation to retain skilled crew members in a competitive labor market.

Furthermore, the “quality of life” improvements mentioned in the release are particularly vital for Omni crews. Unlike scheduled commercial flying, charter operations often involve long-haul international flights with unpredictable layovers and deployment schedules. Securing guaranteed rest and scheduling protections is often as valuable to these workgroups as base pay rates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who represents the flight attendants at Omni Air International?

They are represented by the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA-CWA), the largest flight attendant union in the world.

What is the primary feature of the new agreement?

The most prominent feature announced is a 40% pay increase, alongside quality of life improvements.

What does Omni Air International do?

Omni is a charter airline headquartered in Tulsa, Oklahoma. It primarily operates passenger charter flights for the U.S. military (troop transport) and other government agencies, as well as wet-leasing aircraft to other carriers.

Is the deal final?

Not yet. It is a “Tentative Agreement” (TA), meaning it has been agreed upon by union leadership and management but must still be voted on and ratified by the flight attendant membership.

Sources: Association of Flight Attendants-CWA

This article summarizes reporting by Aerospace America, publicly available elements and industry data.

Breaking the Autonomy Barrier: Anduril’s Fury and the Future of Air Combat

In a milestone that industry observers are comparing to the dawn of the supersonic age, Anduril Industries has successfully conducted the maiden flight of its YFQ-44A “Fury.” According to reporting by Aerospace America, the flight took place on October 31, 2025, at the Southern California Logistics Airport in Victorville. This event marks a significant leap forward for the U.S. Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program, which seeks to pair autonomous “loyal wingman” drones with crewed fighters.

The test flight was distinct from traditional drone operations. Rather than relying on a remote pilot manipulating a stick and throttle, the Fury was operated via a “push-button” interface. A ground operator issued a single command, and the aircraft autonomously handled its taxi, takeoff, flight maneuvers, and landing. This capability validates Anduril’s “Lattice” software, the core autonomy platform designed to manage high-performance jet aircraft in complex environments.

The “History-Making” Flight

The timing and framing of the event draw a deliberate parallel to Chuck Yeager’s historic 1947 flight in the Bell X-1. Just as Yeager broke the “autonomy barrier,” proving that software can match or exceed human reflexes in air combat. Aerospace America notes that Yeager himself predicted a future where autonomous systems would dominate the skies, a prediction that appears to be materializing at test ranges like Edwards Air Force Base, where AI agents have already engaged in simulated dogfights against human pilots.

Performance and Specifications

The YFQ-44A Fury is designed to operate as a high-performance Autonomous Air Vehicle (AAV). According to data released regarding the flight, the aircraft boasts impressive specifications intended to match fifth-generation fighters like the F-35:

• Speed: High subsonic (approximately Mach 0.95).
• Maneuverability: Capable of pulling 9g, matching the physical limits of human-piloted fighters.
• Role: Long-range missions with “affordable mass” economics.

The concept of “affordable mass” is central to the Fury’s design philosophy. By targeting a unit cost of $20–$30 million, significantly less than the $80 million-plus price tag of a manned fighter, the Air Force hopes to deploy these assets in numbers large enough to overwhelm adversary defenses.

Strategic Context: The CCA Competition

Anduril is currently locked in a high-stakes competition for the Air Force’s CCA program. As one of two finalists for “Increment 1,” Anduril is competing against General Atomics, the defense incumbent known for the Predator and Reaper drones. General Atomics is fielding its own prototype, the YFQ-42A.

The Air Force is expected to make a final production decision in Fiscal Year 2026. To prepare for potential mass production, Anduril is establishing “Arsenal-1,” a large-scale manufacturing facility in Columbus, Ohio. This facility aims to leverage commercial manufacturing techniques to produce defense hardware at speeds comparable to the automotive industry.

AirPro News analysis

The successful flight of the Fury represents a pivot point in defense aviation. For decades, air superiority relied on training the best pilots. The shift toward the CCA program suggests that the future of air dominance will rely on the best algorithms. Anduril’s ability to move from a “clean sheet” design to a flying, high-performance air vehicle in approximately 18 months challenges the traditional, decades-long development cycles of the defense sector. If the “Lattice” system proves robust in upcoming mission autonomy tests, specifically in coordinating lethal force with human oversight, it could fundamentally alter the structure of the U.S. Air Force.

What Comes Next?

Following the successful first flight, the testing regimen for the Fury will intensify. Future tests will move beyond basic airworthiness to complex mission autonomy. These evaluations will focus on the aircraft’s ability to coordinate with manned fighters, manage payload releases, and execute the “kill chain”, finding, fixing, and engaging targets autonomously.

“The future of air superiority isn’t about a better pilot; it’s about a better algorithm.”

— Industry sentiment regarding the CCA program

As the 2026 production decision approaches, the performance of the Fury in these advanced trials will likely determine whether Anduril can secure its place as a prime contractor for the next generation of American air power.

Sources

• Aerospace America

This article summarizes reporting by Reuters and official announcements from the Royal Navy.

UK Royal Navy Launches “Proteus” Autonomous Helicopter to Counter North Atlantic Threats

The United Kingdom’s Royal Navy has successfully conducted the maiden flight of its first full-sized autonomous Helicopters, “Proteus.” According to reporting by Reuters and official statements released on Friday, January 16, 2026, the aircraft is designed to track submarines and perform high-risk logistics missions, marking a significant technological shift in how the UK plans to secure the North Atlantic.

The flight, which took place at Predannack Airfield in Cornwall, represents a major milestone in the Ministry of Defence’s “Atlantic Bastion” strategy. As tensions regarding undersea infrastructure and Russian submarine activity continue to rise, the introduction of heavy-lift uncrewed systems aims to reduce risk to human crews while maintaining persistent surveillance capabilities.

The Proteus Platform: A New Class of Drone

Unlike smaller quadcopters or light tactical Drones previously employed by naval forces, Proteus is a substantial rotary-wing aircraft. Manufactured by Leonardo Helicopters in Yeovil, UK, the platform is derived from the Kopter AW09 single-engine civil helicopter.

According to data released regarding the program, the aircraft has a maximum take-off weight of approximately 3 tonnes and a payload capacity exceeding 1 tonne. This size allows it to carry heavy anti-submarine warfare (ASW) sensors and supplies that smaller drones cannot lift.

Technical Specifications and Capabilities

The £60 million (approx. $80 million USD) program focuses on delivering a “force multiplier” for the Royal Navy. During the January 16 test, the aircraft taxied and flew under its own autonomous control system, though human test pilots monitored the operation from the ground to ensure safety.

Key capabilities highlighted in official reports include:

• Autonomy: Capable of independent flight operations without an onboard pilot.
• Resilience: Engineered to withstand high winds and rough sea states that would fatigue human pilots.
• Mission Profile: Anti-submarine warfare, maritime surveillance, and ship-to-ship logistics.

Nigel Colman, Managing Director of Leonardo Helicopters UK, emphasized the operational benefits of the platform in a statement following the flight:

“Proteus represents a step-change in how maritime aviation can deliver persistence, adaptability and reach – conducting the dull, dirty and dangerous missions in challenging environments without putting human operators at risk.”

Strategic Context: The “Atlantic Bastion”

The deployment of Proteus is integral to the UK’s “Atlantic Bastion” initiative. This strategic framework was developed in response to what defense officials describe as “evolving threats” to critical undersea cables and pipelines in the North Atlantic.

By integrating uncrewed systems like Proteus with traditional crewed vessels, such as Type 26 frigates and Merlin Mk2 helicopters, the Royal Navy aims to create a “Hybrid Navy.” In this operational model, autonomous systems handle long-endurance surveillance and hazardous tasks, freeing up human crews, for complex command and decision-making roles.

Luke Pollard, Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, commented on the significance of the launch for the UK’s defense sector:

“This maiden flight is a proud moment for British innovation. Designed and built in Yeovil, Proteus supports skilled UK jobs while helping deliver the hybrid navy outlined in our Strategic Defence Review.”

AirPro News Analysis

The successful flight of Proteus signals a maturation in naval drone strategy. Previously, uncrewed maritime systems were largely limited to small intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) roles. The shift toward converting full-sized, certified civil airframes (like the AW09) into autonomous military assets suggests that navies are no longer satisfied with mere observation; they require autonomous systems capable of heavy lifting and active operational roles.

Furthermore, the economic angle is notable. By basing the platform on an existing commercial airframe, the Royal Navy and Leonardo likely reduced development time and costs compared to designing a clean-sheet military drone. This approach mirrors trends in the commercial sector, where adapting proven platforms for autonomy is often more viable than building from scratch.

Official Navy Reaction

Naval leadership has framed the test as a validation of their future aviation roadmap. Commodore Steve Bolton, the Royal Navy’s Deputy Director for Aviation Future Programmes, noted that the flight was essential for maintaining an edge over adversaries.

“The successful first flight of Proteus is a significant step in delivering the Royal Navy’s maritime aviation transformation vision… This milestone signals our intent to lead technological innovation… to maintain operational advantage against evolving maritime threats.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Proteus helicopter armed?
Current official statements focus on Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) sensors, surveillance, and logistics. While ASW missions traditionally involve weaponry, the primary role emphasized during this phase is tracking and logistics.

Who manufactures the Proteus?
The aircraft is designed and built by Leonardo Helicopters at their facility in Yeovil, United Kingdom.

How much did the program cost?
The reported program cost is £60 million (approximately $80 million USD).

Was a pilot on board during the test?
No. The aircraft flew autonomously, monitored by ground-based test pilots.

Sources: Royal Navy