APFA President Laura Glading, AFA US Airways President Roger Holmin Help Introduce Newly Merged Airline

Members of the Association of Professional Flight Attendants, the union representing the flight attendants of American Airlines, and AFA US Airways President Roger Holmin were on hand Monday morning to help introduce the new American to the flying public.

"Christmas has come early for the APFA," said union president Laura Glading. "It's been a long, tough slog, but today our hard work has paid off. The flight attendants of the new American are looking forward to building the world's greatest airline."

In a ceremony at American's headquarters near DFW, flight attendants joined other frontline employees for a special ceremony commemorating the merger with US Airways and the first day of trading for the new American Airlines Group on the NASDAQ. The new American, the world's largest airline, will offer consumers a third network carrier option to compete with United and Delta.

APFA members are also looking forward to receiving their claim of the new American's equity. The anticipated value of their share is by far the highest in flight attendant history.

"Today, we ring the bell to honor our past and celebrate our future. Our history was made by little airlines that could – and did. US Airways flight attendants have spent entire careers building unity," said AFA US Airways President Roger Holmin. "And today, we stand up for the opportunities that come with building the world's largest airline.

"We proudly stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our new American flying partners and we cheer the end of the American bankruptcy. All flight attendants and frontline workers at the New American know what it is to sacrifice. There is no doubt it is our turn to experience the benefits of our success. Since the announcement of this merger we have met every challenge through unity. We expect to continue as full partners in this merger, in terms of what we bring to its success and the equal share of benefits we receive in recognition of our efforts.

"Completing the financial transaction is a moment of hope and celebration. We congratulate Doug Parker and every employee of our two airlines. And, we encourage management to lead an airline where the front line workers are proud of where we work and who we work with at every level of the airline. That will set us apart and catapult us well above the rest of the industry – only the best for the world's biggest!

"Flight attendants are ready. We have done our part and we will redouble our efforts going forward. Our experience shows nearly anything can be done when we stand together."

FMI: www.apfa.org, www.afacwa.org