Release #04.019
June 4, 2004

(Washington D.C.) – Continued access to cockpit jumpseats was a central focus of discussion during the first round of talks between the pilot groups who fly freight for DHL. The leadership of the ABX Air, Inc., (OTC BB: ABXA.OB) and ASTAR Air Cargo pilot unions met in an unprecedented working session Thursday in Wilmington, Ohio to discuss issues of mutual interest and concern.

Teamsters Local 1224 represents the interests of the 800 ABX Air flight crewmembers, while the Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA) represents ASTAR’s 500-member pilot group.

ABX Air, Inc.’s relationship with DHL began when the airline became an independent carrier after the ground operations of its parent company, Airborne, Inc., were merged with DHL Worldwide Holdings. ABX currently provides services to DHL as part of an agreement very similar to that between DHL and ASTAR, formerly DHL Airways.

Airline crewmembers throughout the United States depend on jumpseat access to commute to and from work. While ASTAR managers have embraced the Cockpit Access Security System (CASS), a government-approved program that would guarantee continued jumpseat access, ABX managers have been reluctant to do the same. In light of the potential integration of ASTAR and ABX flight operations, ABX’s institution of this program is imperative to ensure the pilots who fly DHL’s freight will be able to get to work.

"The flight management of ABX must not delay in implementing the CASS Program," Local 1224 President Capt. Robert Boyd said. "Our union considers the program’s adoption essential to ensuring uninterrupted flight services for our largest customer: DHL."

The ASTAR pilots’ Master Executive Council Chairman Capt. Jim Bonney expressed his satisfaction with his company’s decision to support the CASS Program. "ASTAR’s managers, led by CEO John Dasburg, have been at the forefront of instituting this program at our airline. I am confident that both our customers and our crewmembers will reap the benefits of their important decision."

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents the interests of more than 1.4 million hardworking men and women. ALPA, the world’s oldest and largest pilot union, represents 64,000 airline pilots at 42 airlines in the U.S. and Canada.

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IBT Contact: Lynne Nowel (937) 383-2500

ALPA Contact: Miles Wiley (703) 481-4459