ALPA Pledges Support For Pinnacle, Mesaba, And Colgan Pilots As Transaction Progresses

In response to Pinnacle Airline’s announcement of the purchase of Mesaba Airlines for $62 million, pilot leaders at Pinnacle, Mesaba, and Colgan Airlines, represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA) said the unions were cautiously optimistic about the airline resolving pilot's issues as the deal goes through.

“I’m pleased to see Pinnacle pursue additional opportunities to grow the airline and augment its ability to compete in a tough economic environment,” said Capt. Scott Erickson, Pinnacle Master Executive Council chairman. “With the addition of Mesaba to the Pinnacle-Colgan family, I’m hopeful Pinnacle management will move swiftly to resolve pilot labor issues and streamline the workforce to maximize our competitive edge. We are committed to working together to ensure positive results for employees of all three airlines and the shareholders.”

Pinnacle Airlines, which flies as Delta Connection, purchased Colgan Air in 2007. Colgan Air operates as Continental Connection, United Express, and US Airways Express. Until today, Mesaba was a wholly owned subsidiary of Delta Air Lines, Inc., and flies as Delta Connection.

“Mesaba pilots have a long history of working closely with Pinnacle pilots on a number of issues we share as Delta Connection partners,” said Capt. Mark Nagel, Mesaba MEC chairman. “As our two airlines carry out this joint venture, we are confident that our continued coordination will result in a positive outcome for our pilot groups.”

“Ever since Pinnacle purchased our airline and Colgan pilots joined ALPA, our two pilot groups have built a strong relationship,” said Capt. Mark Segaloff, Colgan Air MEC chairman. “We look forward to a similar relationship with Mesaba pilots as all of us work to achieve our mutual goals for our pilots and our airlines.”

“ALPA’s 53,000 members will continue to support the Pinnacle, Mesaba, and Colgan pilots as this transaction progresses,” said Capt. John Prater, ALPA’s president. “The decades of experience and vast resources of ALPA will support our members as they work with their management teams to protect and enhance their careers.”

FMI: www.alpa.org