No Date Set For Final Ratification Vote Among Members Of Two Unions

Southwest Airlines said in a news release Thursday that the Executive Boards of both the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA), the union representing Southwest Airlines aircraft Mechanics, and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT), the union representing the Mechanics of AirTran Airways, voted to send a negotiated Seniority Integration Proposal to their respective memberships for a ratification vote. This proposal would integrate the two groups' seniority lists, and also create a single labor agreement. The Executive Boards of each Union have agreed to forward the negotiated proposal to the membership of both AMFA and the Teamsters to review the proposed agreement and ultimately put it to a ratification vote. Southwest Airlines finalized closing of the acquisition of AirTran Holdings, Inc., on May 2, 2011.

"The momentum of the integration our two great airlines is starting to build as we approach the end of an exciting and eventful 2011," said Mike Van de Ven, Southwest Airlines Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. "I want to commend all parties involved in this critical integration process. Everyone involved took ownership of their roles, and I want to congratulate our teams for delivering what we feel is a fair and equitable deal for both sides."

"We are proud of both Maintenance groups' initiative and persistence, allowing for Mechanics from both Unions a voice in their future, outside of arbitration," added Brian Hirshman, Southwest Airlines Senior Vice President of Technical Operations. "The integration of two large airlines is not an easy task, but the Aircraft Mechanics from both sides demonstrated understanding and diligence through this process, and their efforts should be recognized and commended."

Each Maintenance group will now spend the next several weeks reviewing the proposed agreement before putting it up for a ratification vote. AMFA represents approximately 1,800 Southwest Airlines Maintenance and Engineering Employees, and the Teamsters represent more than 400 AirTran Aircraft Mechanics.

FMI: www.southwest.com