Release #02.089
September 27, 2002

Champion Air ALPA Pilots Ratify New Contract

WASHINGTON, D.C. --- The Champion Air pilots, represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, International, today ratified their first labor contract. The 30-month contract provides the Champion Air pilots with improvements in wages, working conditions, and other areas. 

"With the ratification of this agreement, the Champion Air pilots now have the protections of a legal, binding contract," said Captain Matthew Marsh, chairman of the Champion Air unit of ALPA. "Getting to here has been a very long road, but we're delighted to have reached a point where we can focus on the future and on building Champion Air into a stable and thriving airline that offers the best service for our customers and a secure future for ourselves and our families." 

"We are enormously pleased to go forward with a new contract for our pilots, with a greater appreciation for the many things that bind the people of Champion together, and with a continuing passion for operational excellence and great customer service," said Mike Gerend, Champion president and CEO.  "This is a good day for all of us."  

With headquarters in Minneapolis, Champion Air is the largest dedicated provider of charter airlift in the United States. Champion’s 180 pilots fly a fleet of 13 Boeing 727-200 aircraft in support of a wide variety of customers, including professional sports teams, corporations, and major tour package wholesalers. 

Founded in 1931, ALPA is the world’s oldest and largest pilot union representing more than 66,000 cockpit crewmembers at 43 airlines in the U.S. and Canada. Visit the ALPA Web site at www.alpa.org. 

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Champion Air Contact: Jon Austin, 612-573-3157

ALPA Contact: Teresa Mattick, 703-481-4440