SAS BALPA February 2026 update
We would like to provide an update on three important matters currently affecting our pilot group.
1. Pay negotiations
We are now at the concluding stage of pay negotiations. The substantive elements of the agreement have been settled, and discussions are focused on final wording to ensure there is no ambiguity in interpretation. Clarity at this stage is critical. Once final language is agreed with the company, we will host a live Q&A session to walk through the deal in detail and answer your questions directly; transparency and understanding are essential before any next steps.
2. Pensions for non-domiciled pilots
The requested exception that would have allowed non-domiciled pilots to receive pension payments in the UK has been formally denied by the UK authorities. This matter has taken far longer than it should have.
BALPA intends to take further measures on this issue once the pay agreement is fully concluded. It is important that we do not compromise the pay negotiations while they are at a sensitive stage. However, the pension matter remains unresolved and will not be allowed to drift indefinitely.
3. Pilot WhatsApp group
A new pilot WhatsApp group has been created by our Scandinavian counterparts, inviting pilots from all AOCs. While the gesture may be well intended, it is important to clarify our position.
SPG has not opened an official communication channel with BALPA and despite multiple attempts from our side to establish dialogue, no acknowledgment has ever been received.
Within the WhatsApp group, there appears to be discussion regarding FX selling initiatives. To be clear, BALPA does not participate in, coordinate, or endorse any form of industrial action, whether official or unofficial, outside the proper statutory processes; it would be unlawful for BALPA to do so.
Participation in any FX-related decisions remains entirely voluntary and is a matter for each individual pilot.
We remain committed to formal, lawful, and structured engagement in the interests of our members.
We will update you further once the pay agreement wording is finalised and the Q&A session is scheduled.