WASHINGTON, Oct. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- Capt. Erik Engdahl, chairman of the
ATA Unit of the Air Line Pilots Association, made this statement today
following ATA's filing for bankruptcy with the U.S. District Court in
Indianapolis. Capt. Engdahl, a resident of Brown County, IN, is a Boeing 757
pilot based on the west coast.
"Today is a sad day for all of us as ATA flight crew members, but one
that's recurring with alarming frequency in our industry. There are many
reasons why ATA was forced to declare bankruptcy, but with some of the lowest
costs in the industry, labor expenses can't be blamed for this airline's
breakdown.
"Our crews are unique among low-cost carriers for their expertise in
operating new-generation, ETOPS-certified aircraft both at home and overseas.
They will be a valuable asset to any airline, and we will aggressively work to
ensure that their jobs and seniority are protected. While the uniforms may
change, their professionalism will stay the same.
"We will also respond expeditiously in order to protect our members who
may end up remaining at ATA, and work cooperatively with management to keep
the transformed airline and its cockpit crewmembers successful and
competitive.
"We love our airline and are strongly committed to seeing it succeed. ATA
has always set the standard for safety, comfort and convenience among low-cost
carriers, and we are committed to maintaining a quality product in spite of
our changed circumstances. During this period of transition we will strive to
ensure that our passengers can't tell the difference between the pre- and
post-bankruptcy airline."
The Air Line Pilots Association is the bargaining agent for the 1,100
pilots and flight engineers at ATA. ALPA is the world's oldest and largest
pilot union, representing 64,000 pilots at 43 airlines in the U.S. and Canada.
Visit the ALPA Web site at http://www.alpa.org.
SOURCE Air Line Pilots Association
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Related links:
http://www.alpa.org
CONTACT:
Rusty Ayers of Air Line Pilots Association,
+1-773-284-4910
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