Union Leadership Happy With Deal

The pilots of Midwest Connect carrier Skyway Airlines, represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, International, just reached a tentative agreement for a new contract that includes provisions intended to help keep their airline out of bankruptcy.

"We are pleased to finally reach an agreement that addresses the needs of the Skyway pilots while providing the necessary financial relief to our airline," said Captain Brian Belmonti, chairman of the ALPA unit at Skyway Airlines.

Skyway, which became known as Midwest Connect at the beginning of this year, may dodge Chapter 11 bullet.

In early June, Skyway management told the pilots that the company would seek protection under the U.S. bankruptcy code in mid-July if the airline didn't receive concessions from the pilots' union, as well as from additional parties including other unionized employee groups and aircraft lease holders.

"We started these negotiations two years ago, before the 9/11 terrorist attacks and the downturn in the economy," Belmonti said. "We recognize that the state of our airline has changed drastically since then and we have worked for months to reach an equitable agreement. We hope that our contributions will help Skyway and the larger Midwest Airlines family continue its mission of offering "The Best Care In The Air."

The approximately 220 Skyway pilots will be voting whether to accept the tentative agreement. The Skyway pilots' union leaders will recommend that the pilots vote in favor of accepting the deal. The voting process is expected to be completed by mid-July.

Skyway Airlines is owned by Midwest Holdings and operates as a Midwest Connect carrier. Skyway's professional airline pilots fly a fleet of 328JET and Beech 1900D aircraft.

FMI: www.alpa.org; www.midwestexpress.com