Release #09.UAL
January 22, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Statement from Captain Steve Wallach, Chairman, United Master Executive Council, Air Line Pilots Association, Regarding United’s ‘Innovative’ Partnership With Aer Lingus

“The day after reporting one of its worst quarterly financial results in history and after furloughing an additional 254 pilots (bringing the total to 606 pilots), United Airlines announced today that it has entered into what it calls an ‘innovative’ partnership with Aer Lingus.

“Aer Lingus has advised the Irish press that this joint venture will operate an Aer Lingus aircraft with neither United nor Aer Lingus employees, under a separate operating certificate and under newly established wages and working conditions. Obviously, this partnership will be accomplished at the expense of United’s and Aer Lingus’ own pilots and other employees. This development, where United attempts to establish an airline operation without the use of United aircraft or employees, is nothing less than the outsourcing of jobs to an international company, and clearly demonstrates that this management continues to make business decisions without regard to its pilots and other employees.

“The United pilots are exploring every option to put an end to the company’s blatant disregard and lack of loyalty to the United Airlines brand.”

ALPA Contact:
Dave Kelly
Phone: 708/704-5648
david.kelly@alpa.org