The National Mediation Board (NMB) yesterday issued a ruling recognizing Flight Options and Flexjet as a single carrier, setting up a vote on whether the combined pilot groups will be unionized. The International Local Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT), which represents approximately 380 Flight Options pilots, sought a ruling that the companies operate as a single transportation system for representation purposes under the Railway Labor Act. The IBT has been seeking to organize the current 310 Flexjet pilots as one group with Flight Options pilots.

“We are pleased with the NMB’s determination and believe it will give these two carriers the ability to grow and prosper as a larger unified company,” said Capt. David Bourne, director of the Teamsters airline division.

Flexjet also lauded the ruling, saying it brings the two companies one step closer to fully merging operations under parent Directional Aviation. Directional is maintaining separate brands and service offerings of the two companies, but said it has combined the operations where it made sense. One of the final steps, the company said, is to eliminate separation of the employees. 

“Being recognized as a single transportation system allows us to bring a consistent set of work rules to both pilot groups and will provide the necessary foundation to complete our growth plan,” said Flexjet chairman Kenn Ricci.

A vote on union representation has not been set yet, but is expected before year-end. The outcome will be determined by a majority vote.

“This is a crucial time in deciding what the culture of this company will be going forward,” Ricci said in a letter to employees, adding: “This is also a rare and unique opportunity to give the Flight Options pilots, after 10 years with the Teamsters, the ability to reestablish a direct relationship with the company.” But he also said, no matter the position, “It is critical that you vote in the upcoming decision.”

The decision comes as Flexjet is rapidly growing, announcing plans to hire more than 100 pilots over the next 12 to 18 months. Flexjet further has been expanding its fleet, recently adding new Embraer Legacy and Gulfstream types. Flight Options also has been replenishing its pilot workforce since the downturn, bringing back the last of the pilots available from its furlough list. With the additions, the company said, the combined workforce will top 750 pilots.