The 2026 Mineta Forum on Transportation Policy & Leadership, Frontline Perspectives

The Day the Skies Closed: Frontline Perspectives from 9/11 When U.S. air traffic came to an unprecedented halt on September 11, the effects were immediate for the pilots and flight attendants at the heart of the aviation system. Captain Wendy Morse and Sara Nelson center the experiences of aviation’s frontline workforce, reflecting on the immediate and lasting impact of September 11. Both represented United crews during this defining period and have since risen to national leadership roles in their respective unions. Speakers (listed alphabetically): -Captain Wendy Morse, First Vice President and National Safety Coordinator, Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA) -Sara Nelson, International President, Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA-CWA, AFL-CIO)