Officer Development R2025-02
May 14, 2025 – Washington, DC
The Oneworld Cockpit Crew Coalition (OCCC) proudly announces the appointment of new leadership following the unanimous passage of Resolution 2025-02 . Effective immediately, the following officers have been elected to lead the coalition:
- Cpt. John Sluys – President
- Cpt. Shawn Gray – Vice President
- Cpt. Ken Johnson – Treasurer
Cpt. Ken Johnson, FO Maria Sweeney, Cpt. Shawn Gray, and Cpt. John Sluys
Incoming Officers Sluys, Gray & Johnson bring a tremendous depth of industrial and operational experience, with proven track records of leadership in collective bargaining, organizational governance, international affairs, and frontline pilot advocacy. Captain Ken Johnson is active in areas such as safety advocacy, pilot mentorship, and government affairs work. Captain Johnson contributes to initiatives that aim to enhance pilot welfare and aviation safety.
Captain Shawn Gray has played a pivotal role in the Allied Pilots Association (APA), particularly in the realms of government and international affairs. As former Chairman of the Government Affairs Committee, he has been instrumental in representing APA's interests in Washington, D.C., advocating for policies that enhance aviation safety and uphold pilot standards. In addition to his domestic efforts, Captain Gray chairs the International Alliance Committee, serving as the union's primary liaison for foreign affairs. In this capacity, he identifies global threats and opportunities, ensuring APA's voice is heard in international aviation policy discussions.
Captain John Sluys has been a pivotal figure in the global campaign against Reduced Crew Operations (RCO) and Single-Pilot flight decks. As ALPA’s International Affairs Coordinator and Executive Vice President for the Caribbean and North America at IFALPA, he has united pilot unions worldwide to oppose efforts to reduce cockpit crews. Sluys has led initiatives such as the #SafetyStartsWith2 campaign, moderated international panels, and contributed to position papers highlighting the safety risks of RCO. His leadership has been instrumental in mobilizing global pilot organizations to maintain the standard of two pilots on the flight deck, ensuring aviation safety remains paramount.
Cpt. Sluys and FO Sluys oppose RCO "for the benefit of future generations."
The Board has complete confidence in their ability to represent Oneworld pilots with integrity, strength, and strategic foresight. We also express our deepest gratitude to our outgoing officers for their exemplary service:
Cpt. Johnson, Cpt. Meskanen & FO Brown
- Cpt. Akseli Meskanen, the outgoing President, will continue to serve the global pilot community as Deputy Chair of IFALPA (International Federation of Air Line Pilots’ Associations).
- FO Rick Brown, outgoing Treasurer, will contribute his financial and organizational expertise to the Allied Pilots Association’s Investor Relations Committee.
- Cpt. Kyle Johnson, outgoing Vice President, is stepping into the role of Communications Chair for the Alaska Airlines ALPA Master Executive Council.
The OCCC celebrates these transitions with both appreciation and optimism. As we welcome new leadership and recognize the enduring contributions of our past officers, we reaffirm our commitment to unity, excellence, and representing the collective strength of Oneworld pilots.
Cpt. Shawn Gray and FO Maria Sweeney holding an OCCC Banner.
