PHOENIX –– In
response to recent reports that various airlines are exploring a possible merger or
partnership with America West Airlines, — including a confirmed interest by United
Airlines – the pilots of America West have asked their management to make them
participants in the process.
“We have been aware for some time
of the potential benefits of a merger or partnership arrangement,” said First Officer
Darcy Pierce, vice chairman of the America West pilots’ Master Executive Council, a
unit of the Air Line Pilots Association. “We have formed our own merger committee and
have been developing our own sources of expertise on this aspect of airline economics. We
would hope that America West management would take note of this and would bring us into
the process as fellow stakeholders.”
“Any merger or partnership with
America West could be supported by the pilots, as long as the interests of the entire
pilot group are well-represented, and it is a win-win situation for everyone,” Pierce
said. “We are monitoring this situation very closely, and urge America West to keep
its employee groups well-informed concerning these talks, and any potential
agreements,” Pierce added.
“However, we wish to make it clear
that until a specific acquisition or partnership arrangement with a specific airline is
announced, America West pilots will not speculate on any possible effects of such a
merger,” he said.
The Air Line Pilots Association,
International represents more than 52,000 pilots at 51 airlines in Canada and the U.S.,
including more than 1,500 pilots at America West. Visit ALPA’s Web site at
www.alpa.org.
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| America West Pilots Continue Preparations for Possible Airline Merger or Partnership Arrangement |
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| January 22, 1999 |