Release #06.DHL2
December 5, 2006

MEDIA ADVISORY

ASTAR Air Cargo Pilots to Conduct Informational Picketing in Miami

WASHINGTON D.C.—The pilots of ASTAR Air Cargo, represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA), will conduct informational picketing at the company’s Miami, Fla. headquarters. Prior to 2003, ASTAR Air Cargo was known as DHL Airways, under which a majority of today’s 525 pilots were hired. Before August 2003, ASTAR/DHL Airways pilots carried nearly 100% of DHL cargo in the United States and more than 50% of DHL’s international cargo to and from the United States.

Why:
The pilots are picketing to demonstrate their frustration with the deliberately slow pace of contract negotiations and the burden that excessive management compensation brings on all ASTAR employees. The ASTAR pilots have been in contract negotiations for three years, and have not received a raise in four years other than previously negotiated longevity increases.

When:
Wednesday, December 6, 2006, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. EST

Where:
In front of ASTAR Air Cargo Corporate Headquarters, 2 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, Fla.

Background:
This informational picketing marks only the second time in ASTAR Air Cargo history that pilots have had to protest the lack of progress in contract negotiations.
This is an unusual step for a carrier with an almost unprecedented and extremely lucrative “cost plus” contract with DHL. ASTAR pilots are among the most effective pilots in the express air cargo industry with the best on-time performance record yet they are paid the least among the pilots for the top three carriers. Further, the current contract permits the ASTAR pilots to work more hours than other pilots groups of the big four air express carriers for less overall compensation. ASTAR pilots carry roughly 50% of the weight out of the company’s aerial hub, Wilmington, OH, each night for DHL, the world’s largest and most experienced international air express network.

Founded in 1931, ALPA is the world’s largest pilot union, representing more than 61,000 pilots at 40 airlines in the United States and Canada. Visit the ALPA website at www.alpa.org.

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ASTAR Pilot Group Contact: Capt. Mike Murphy: (937) 323-2533
ALPA Contact: Ron Lovas: (703) 481-4468