Southwest Pilot Apologizes For Suggesting Flight Attendants Aren't Do-Able

The Southwest pilot whose complaints about flight attendants being a “continuous stream of gays and grannies and grandes,” were broadcast over the air traffic control channel would like everyone to know he’s really, really sorry — now that he’s been publicly humiliated.

Earlier this week Captain James Taylor, who’s married, issued an apology for the March incident to all Southwest employees. He wrote:

June 28, 2011

To All Southwest Airlines Flight Attendants and all Employees:

Because of the impact of my comments, I wanted to communicate with you directly.

Please accept my most sincere apology for the inappropriate and disrespectful remarks I made in March with an open microphone. I deeply regret the derogatory remarks I made and the hurt I have caused-I take full responsibility for those comments.

It was truly insensitive of me and I would like all of you to know that from now on, I will show nothing but the utmost respect during my interactions with all employees.

In addition, I would like to extend a special apology to all Flight Attendants, and especially those of Houston. I hope you will allow me to maintain a working relationship with all of you that will provide me the opportunity to extend an individual, personal apology to each one of you whenever we fly together.

Please know that this event has forever changed me and I hope that others can learn from my mistake.

I have learned a much-needed lesson to be more sensitive of others and I hope you will see me as a more tolerant and considerate person.

I am proud to be employed by Southwest Airlines and I am committed to representing our Company, and its employees in the most professional way possible.

With My Sincere Regards, Captain James Taylor

Some Southwest employees aren’t impressed that Taylor will be trying to “tolerate” them being gay, elderly, and/or female. It’s also interesting that he felt it necessary to single out Houston, the group he called “the ugliest” in the company. He’d really like the opportunity to extend an individual, personal apology to each of them … by proving he’d totally do them.

Earlier, a rep for the union representing Southwest flight attendants said they were considering filing an official complaint about the incident. However, they’re satisfied with his shoddy apology. Their union leader said:

“We have recognized that while this incident is not consistent with Southwest culture, it is not an isolated incident and should not be swept under the rug … I am pleased to report that Southwest has engaged with our union and with other employee groups to turn this negative incident into a teachable moment.”

Lesson learned: Switch off your mic next time you’re making derogatory comments about coworkers! Being briefly suspended and sentenced to diversity training is a total bummer.

Pilot Apologizes For Rant Heard Worldwide [KPRC via The Advocate]
Flight Attendants Union Pleased With Pilot’s Apology [CNN]

Earlier: Listen To A Southwest Pilot Talk Shit About Female Flight Attendants And Homosexuals [UPDATED]