Crew Members Embrace New Low-Fare Carrier With "Overwhelming Support"

Occasionally contentious, the gap has been closed in the contract negotiation between ACA and ALPA. Atlantic Coast Airlines reports that it has been notified by ALPA that ACA's pilots have "overwhelmingly ratified" a revised contract that includes market-based pay rates and work rule improvements designed to give the company a competitive advantage as it moves forward toward operating as an independent low-fare airline. The new agreement is conditional and goes into effect only as the company implements its low-fare airline plans, with the current ACA pilot agreement remaining in effect until then.

Atlantic Coast Airlines President Tom Moore said, "The overwhelming support of our pilots is another strong indication of continued progress with our plan to launch a new low-fare carrier to serve the Washington Dulles market. We remain confident that we are moving in the direction that will provide the best possible future for this company, its stockholders and employees."

Steve Hunt, Chairman of ACA's Master Executive Council which represents the company's 1,700 pilots said, "The pilot group is very excited about transforming ACA into an independent low-fare airline. 93% of our eligible crew members participated in the ratification process, and of those, 97% voted in favor of the agreement. This is a clear demonstration that we are absolutely unified in our commitment to working with all ACA employees to ensure the success of our new airline."

ACA currently operates as United Express and Delta Connection in the Eastern and Midwestern United States as well as Canada. On July 28, 2003, ACA announced plans to establish a new, independent low-fare airline to be based at Washington Dulles International Airport. The company has a fleet of 148 aircraft -- including a total of 120 regional jets -- and employs approximately 4,600 aviation professionals.

FMI: www.atlanticcoast.com, www.alpa.org