ALPA's Communications Department provides information and support for news media inquiries. An ALPA communications representative can be reached in the Herndon, Va. office at (703) 481-4440.

News Release

Joint News Release
Air Line Pilots Association, Int'l and ExpressJet Airlines

December 20, 2002 – ExpressJet Airlines and the Air Line Pilots Association International (ALPA) have jointly applied to the National Mediation Board (NMB) to continue their contract negotiations with the assistance of a federal mediator. ExpressJet and ALPA view this as a positive step toward their shared goal of reaching an agreement that is fair and equitable to both parties.

The bargaining protocol signed by ExpressJet and ALPA in March 2002 provides procedures for negotiations and specifies that the parties may jointly apply for mediation if no agreement is reached by the end of 2002. The NMB is expected to appoint a mediator in the near future.

Mediation is a continuation of the bargaining process and a common step in airline negotiations under the Railway Labor Act. In mediation, negotiations continue without interruption but are guided by the mediator, who offers objective assistance and helps parties resolve outstanding issues.

Mediation conducted by the NMB has proven useful and effective in achieving mutually satisfactory collective bargaining agreements. ExpressJet and ALPA look forward to this new phase of the bargaining process and their continuing effort to efficiently conclude negotiations.

ExpressJet Airlines is the operating subsidiary of ExpressJet Holdings Inc. (NYSE:XJT).

Founded in 1931, ALPA is the world's oldest and largest pilot union representing 66,000 pilots at 43 airlines in the U.S. and Canada.

Contact: James H. Moody, ALPA; (281) 987-3636