Release #10.ATN
January 27, 2010

For immediate release

AirTran Pilots Help Company Earn Record Profits

ATLANTA – While AirTran employees have contributed to the success of AirTran Airways through hard work and sacrifice, the pilots—represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA)—have not shared in the rewards for over five years. Currently, AirTran pilots are paid up to 26 percent below the industry average and have been in mediated negotiations with management since their contract became amendable in 2005.

Today, AirTran Holdings, Inc., (NYSE: AAI), announced all-time, record-breaking earnings and load factors for 2009 and posted a net income of $17.1 million in the fourth quarter, with an overall annual net income of $134.7 million, which is also a record for the company.

Although AirTran Airways’ pilots appreciate the acknowledgement from AirTran Airways’ chairman, president, and chief executive officer, Bob Fornaro, who declared “Both our operating and financial numbers clearly illustrate the hard work and dedication of each of our 8,500 crew members,” it has not been realized at the negotiating table.

During this time, pilots of AirTran Airways have been subject to rising health care costs, inflation, and below-average work rules. The pilots are increasingly frustrated with management’s resistance to improvements in compensation and a continual decrease in quality of life, while executives continue to reward themselves financially with lucrative bonus packages.

“In the wake of these record earnings, it is time that AirTran management recognizes the contributions the pilots have made and continue to make every day and, in turn, advances negotiations with ALPA to reach an agreement that is fair and equitable,” said AirTran Master Executive Council chairman Linden Hillman.

###

The Air Line Pilots Association, International represents 53,250 pilots in the United States and Canada, including the approximately 1,650 pilots at AirTran Airways. For more information, visit www.pilotcontractnow.com.

Media Contact:
Toni C. Vacinek office: (404) 763-5165 x 5211, cell: (770) 301-9393