October 21, 2010

AirTran Airways Pilots Reach a Tentative Contract Agreement with Management
Deal provides key improvements in pay, quality of life, and other benefits

ATLANTA – The Air Line Pilots Association Int’l (ALPA), representing the pilots of AirTran Airways, has reached a tentative agreement with AirTran management after more than five years of contract negotiations. The agreement represents the first contract for AirTran pilots since they joined ALPA in 2009.

“We believe that this contract provides significant improvements in pay, quality of life, and other important benefits that our pilots have earned and deserve,” said Linden Hillman, chairman of the AirTran chapter of ALPA. “It acknowledges their role in helping to build AirTran into the vibrant and successful carrier it is today.”

The terms of the tentative agreement establish the foundation for a fair and equitable contract. Details of the settlement will not be released to the public until approved by the AirTran Master Executive Council (MEC) and ratified by AirTran pilots. If the pilot representatives on the AirTran MEC give their approval, a membership ratification vote will take place in November.

AirTran has agreed to be acquired by Southwest Airlines and is awaiting shareholder and regulatory approval for the buyout.

“After our pilots get to vote on our new contract, we will be able to focus completely on the upcoming transition and merger with the Southwest pilot group,” said Hillman. “Our professional pilots with similar cultures and work ethic will combine to form an industry-leading workforce.”

In the meantime, the Association will continue to provide information about the new agreement to the membership. “ALPA is pleased that the Association’s professional and financial support, along with the solidarity shown by its members, produced gains in the new agreement for the AirTran pilots,” said Captain John Prater, president of ALPA. He added, “ALPA sincerely appreciates the valuable assistance provided by the National Mediation Board during the mediation process.”

Founded in 1931, ALPA is the world’s largest pilot union, representing nearly 53,000 pilots at 38 airlines in the United States and Canada. Visit the ALPA website at www.alpa.org.

###

Media Contacts: Doug Baj 703-481-4440; First Officer Jim Morris 404-345-1011 media@alpa.org