Independent Pilots Association

The Independent Pilots Association is the collective bargaining union for pilots who fly for UPS Airlines. It represents about 3,400 pilots. The union was founded in 1989 and is based in Louisville, Kentucky, at 3607 Fern Valley Road.

The site says the union protects the safety, careers, contract rights and professional interests of its members. It works through collective bargaining, contract enforcement, government affairs, safety programs and professional representation. It states that it is independent and does not speak for UPS management.

Advocacy is a main focus. The site asks readers to support ending the cargo carve out, which it says leaves cargo pilots with weaker protections than passenger crews. The site also calls for cargo pilots to receive the same protections as passenger airline crews. The site also backs the Fatigued Pilot Protection Act. A July 2026 letter to Congress supports extending Part 117 flight time and rest rules.

The site lists areas of expertise for media. These include cargo aviation safety, pilot fatigue, lithium battery and hazardous material risks, air traffic control modernization, flight deck security and pilot training. It also covers labor relations and federal aviation policy.

The site gives operating figures. It says UPS pilots fly nearly 2,000 daily flight segments and serve 667 airports worldwide. The home page also lists more than 660 worldwide destinations.

Media inquiries go to the public affairs director, Brian Gaudet. The site asks for a name, outlet, subject, deadline and preferred interview format. The media phone number is (301) 957-4323, and the main phone number is 502-968-0341.

The site lists the executive board, an IPA newsroom, a history page and a privacy policy. The union says it gives journalists and policymakers informed views on cargo aviation, safety, labor relations and federal aviation policy. A February 2026 item covers the union's support for the Fatigued Pilot Protection Act.