Release #08.KFC
December 10, 2008

Pilots Vote on Kelowna Flightcraft Tentative Contract Agreement
Pilot negotiators improved pay, work rules in complete contract overhaul

KELOWNA, B.C. – After 14 months of contract negotiations, the pilots of Kelowna Flightcraft, represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA), recently reached a tentative agreement with Kelowna Flightcraft Air Charter, Ltd. Pilots begin voting today on the proposed contract, which includes substantial wage increases and improved work rules that may require additional pilot hiring.

First Officer Tim Wynn-Williams, chairman of the Kelowna pilots unit of ALPA, said “I am very pleased with the results of our hard work. Thanks to all the support and guidance from ALPA, we were able to work through all the issues and concerns we needed to address. I look forward to a cooperative and beneficial relationship with the management of Kelowna Flightcraft Air Charter, Ltd.”

This landmark tentative agreement represents a complete contract overhaul from cover to cover. The tentative agreement will go out to the pilot group for ratification today. The voting period will close on January 12, 2009.

“These pilots stayed focused on their contract goals, and I believe that this new agreement will satisfy the pilots' requirements for strong job security, improved work rules, and appropriate pay,” said Capt. Dan Adamus, ALPA Canada Board president. “This tentative agreement provides a better quality of life for the Kelowna Flightcraft pilots by allowing them to move forward in their careers while also giving management the latitude to grow the company.”

Founded in 1931, ALPA is the world’s largest pilot union, representing 53,000 pilots at 37 airlines in the United States and Canada, including more than 120 pilots who fly for Kelowna Flightcraft. ALPA Canada Board responds to the needs of the union’s master executive councils and their pilot members throughout Canada. Kelowna Flightcraft Air Charter, Ltd., is the exclusive air cargo carrier for Canada’s largest air courier, Purolator Courier Ltd. Visit ALPA’s website at www.alpa.org.

# # #

ALPA Contacts: Capt. Angus Magrath, 905-330-3115
David Fisher, 703-689-4131