Achieves 100 Percent Participation Status for Second Year in a Row

Mesaba Airlines received the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) Diamond Award for 100 percent participation by Mesaba's aviation maintenance technicians in FAA-accepted training programs. It was the second consecutive year that Mesaba achieved 100 percent participation status. The Diamond Award recognizes training for aircraft maintenance professionals throughout the airline industry.

During 2002, more than 300 Mesaba mechanics participated in training programs, including aircraft systems training, regulatory training and FAA rules orientation.

"Mesaba's mechanics and its technical operations department are dedicated to setting the highest standards in the regional airline industry," said John Spanjers, Mesaba Airlines president and chief operating officer. "Their commitment to both the airline and their craft is reflected in our achieving 100 percent participation for the past two years."

This is the third consecutive year in which Mesaba received the Diamond Award, which requires at least 25 percent participation from eligible mechanics. Mesaba had 27 percent participation in 2000 and 100 percent participation in 2001.

FMI: www.mesaba.com