Delta Looks Forward To Expanding In Washington, D.C.

The president of the Allied Pilots Association (APA), certified collective bargaining agent for the 10,000 pilots of American Airlines, issued the following statement in response to news that the Justice Department has settled its lawsuit with American Airlines and US Airways regarding the airlines' pending merger.

"The Allied Pilots Association leadership is pleased the DOJ and the two airlines have found a mutually acceptable way to address concerns about the merger. As we have said since the lawsuit was filed, this merger is pro-competition," said APA President Capt. Keith Wilson. "Merging with US Airways will remedy American Airlines' longstanding network shortfalls and put American on equal footing with Delta and United. With the merger, American will offer travelers a viable alternative to Delta and United.

"Today marks the culmination of an aggressive and unconventional strategy APA began pursuing early last year. Our primary goals were to help ensure American would survive and thrive, thereby ensuring long-term career stability for our pilots. This merger will accomplish both goals.

"With the DOJ settlement, American now has the opportunity to return to a position of industry preeminence. We look forward to working with our colleagues at the US Airline Pilots Association as we shift our focus to negotiating a joint collective bargaining agreement."

Delta Air Lines also reacted to the DOJ Agreement in a prepared statement, saying it "looks forward to the opportunity to acquire slots that will be divested under the agreement, particularly at Washington-Reagan National Airport. Delta is the airline best positioned to continue competitive nonstop flights from Reagan National to small- and mid-sized cities that could otherwise see service reduced or eliminated, which should be a strong consideration in the divestiture."

FMI: www.alliedpilots.org, www.delta.com