“We have long warned about the devastating effects of pairing optimization. Multiple times over many months, we highlighted how schedule manipulation, unbalanced schedules, and the impact of lean operations have led to an unprecedented number of revisions, extensions, and disruptions to what was once a stable, reliable air operations network.” Source: Capt. Jose Nieves, Chair of the FedEx Master Executive Council within ALPA, explains that FedEx Express pilots are indicating potentially serious operational concerns that could negatively impact demands on service during the peak season. The company has been carrying out aggressive cost optimization and restructuring across its network, and those decisions are being felt across its air operations system.