However, Union Says Management Must Recognize Pilots’ Contributions To Airline As Company Emerges From Bankruptcy

First Officer Marcin Kolodziejczyk, chairman of the Mesa Air Group (MAG) unit of the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA), issued the following statement after the announcement today that the U.S. Bankruptcy Court confirmed MAG’s Plan of Reorganization. The company is expected to emerge from bankruptcy as a stand-alone airline as early as February 2011.

“Mesa Air Group pilots welcome the announcement that the U.S. Bankruptcy Court has approved our airline’s reorganization plan. We look forward to continuing to work tirelessly together with our management to ensure that MAG gains financial strength and sustainability while at the same time recognizes the pilots’ contribution and commitment to our airline.

“Once MAG emerges from bankruptcy, we may face challenges in achieving our common goal of making Mesa a strong airline in a competitive market, but our company has a powerful edge—its people. Despite the uncertainties of the past year, MAG has continued to provide excellent service to our partners and passengers; this is a direct result of the hard work, focus, and dedication of our pilots and the other employees. We are proud of our achievements and the accolades we have received from our partners. We hope management also recognizes our contributions throughout this challenging process.

“Just 12 short months ago, MAG filed for bankruptcy protection and began the process to restructure its fleet and debt to meet the flying needs of our partners and the opportunities for future business. Bankruptcy was a painful process, resulting in, among other things, nearly 500 of our pilots being furloughed. The confirmation of MAG’s plan is the first step toward emerging from bankruptcy, rebuilding our company, and bringing our pilots back to work.

“There’s still much work to be done, and we hope that the company will be able to implement the confirmation order and emerge from bankruptcy in relatively short order. The union took an active role throughout the bankruptcy process, and we will remain vigilant to protect our pilots’ rights. We look forward to building a first-rate regional airline with a company that values its employees and provides exceptional service to its partners and passengers.”

FMI: www.MesaPilots.com