Release #AIS 051220
December 20, 2005

Island Air Pilot Group Signs Letter of Agreement to Fly Q400

HONOLULU, HI--Island Air's pilot group, represented by the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), has signed a Letter of Agreement with management to fly the Bombardier Q400. This is the first time that an ALPA-represented airline will fly this aircraft type.

Captain Jimmy Rabino, Island Air's MEC chairman, says, "We are very excited that we will be adding the Q400 to our fleet. This aircraft will allow us to enhance our service within the islands, while also providing a comfortable, quiet ride with jet-like speed for our customers."

Island Air operates a fleet of nine 37-seat Bombardier Dash 8 100/200 aircraft. These turboprop airplanes have earned a solid reputation for outstanding reliability and safety. The arrival of the Q400s will increase available seats by 80 percent over the next 12 months. The first Q400 is expected to arrive in February, with two more to follow.

While working on this Agreement, Captain Rocky Ricarte, chair of the Negotiating Committee at Island Air, stated, "We are extremely pleased with the direction Island Air's CEO is taking by working hand-in-hand with our pilots to bring in new aircraft and build an even more competitive fleet."

Island Air has 84 pilots who fly to all eight of Hawaii's major airports. Island Air currently serves more destinations in Hawaii than any other airline in the world.

Founded in 1931, ALPA is the world's largest pilot union representing 63,000 cockpit crewmembers at 40 airlines in the U.S. and Canada. Visit the ALPA website at www.alpa.org.

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ALPA Contacts: Jeff Orschel, 703-481-4459; Capt. Jimmy Rabino, 808-838-0138