Release #09.DAL4
November 19, 2009

Delta Pilots Support SkyTeam Alliance’s Proposed Investment in Japan Airlines

Atlanta—The Delta Master Executive Council, the Delta branch of the Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA), the union that represents the over 12,000 pilots of Delta Air Lines, today issued a statement supporting the SkyTeam Alliance’s proposed investment in Japan Airlines (JAL).

The investment would consist of a capital investment of $500 million, $300 million in revenue guarantees, and $200 million in asset-backed financing.

“SkyTeam is without question the strongest long-term strategic partner for Japan Airlines” said Captain Lee Moak, Delta MEC chairman. “SkyTeam currently serves 856 destinations in 169 countries around the globe. Delta serves Tokyo to and from 12 U.S. destinations and would provide JAL with more than a 300 percent increase in connecting passenger traffic over what it has with its current alliance partners. SkyTeam has proven to be very beneficial to the financial and operational stability of its members, and JAL’s inclusion would further enhance and strengthen the alliance as well as each and every one of its member airlines.”

Under the terms of the proposal, Japan Airlines would become a full member of the SkyTeam Alliance. The partnership would not only substantially increase the trans-Pacific opportunities for both Japan Airlines and Delta Air Lines, but it would also allow JAL to reach far into Europe through SkyTeam’s extensive European network, access it does not enjoy with its current alliance partners.

“The pilots of SkyTeam’s member airlines already share a very productive professional working relationship through the SkyTeam Pilots Association,” Captain Moak continued. “At a recent SkyTeam Pilots Association meeting in France, the Association passed a resolution supporting discussions that could result in JAL becoming a full member of the Skyteam Alliance. The Skyteam Pilots Association looks forward to developing a collaborative and mutually respectful working relationship with the JAL pilots.”

“As a pilot union and also as members of the SkyTeam Pilots Association, one of our major goals is to enhance the job security and long-term career prospects of our pilots,” said Captain Moak. “JAL’s inclusion in SkyTeam will serve as another important step toward that end not only for the Delta pilots but also for the JAL pilots and all pilots of SkyTeam member airlines.”

“Japan Airlines has a long and proud history. As a SkyTeam member, JAL will be positioned for long-term growth and continued success with over three times the connecting international traffic it now has and with access to a vast and unique global network. SkyTeam’s investment offer is a vote of confidence in the strength of the proposed partnership; unlike alternatives, it does not at all depend on predatory third-party venture capitalists. The Delta pilots support the proposed investment in JAL and share in the SkyTeam Alliance’s belief that JAL and SkyTeam are best served by JAL’s partnership in the alliance,” Captain Moak concluded.

Founded in 1931, ALPA represents 54,000 pilots at 36 airlines in the U.S. and Canada. ALPA represents over 12,000 Delta pilots. Visit the ALPA website at www.alpa.org and the Delta MEC website at www.deltapilots.org.

SOURCE: Air Line Pilots Association
CONTACT: Delta MEC, Kelly Regus, 404-763-4925, office or kelly.regus@alpa.org