The US Airline Pilots Association (USAPA) representing the US Airways Pilots speaks out on airline consolidation rumors including UAL
PRESS RELEASE
CHARLOTTE – Following yesterday’s US Airline Pilots Association Board Meeting, and prompted by increased media attention on a possible US Airways and United Airlines merger, leaders of The US Airline Pilots Association are evaluating the effects that mergers may have on their Company and their Pilots.
“USAPA will not sit back and allow airline environmental changes without protecting the interests of all our pilots,†said President Stephen Bradford. “We will work with our management to maintain our position among those airlines that are financially well-situated, but first things first. The US Airways Pilots will not support any moves towards a follow-on merger until management finishes the job of our last merger.â€
With 6.8 billion dollars invested and an ATSB restricted contract, the pilots of US Airways are the single largest investor in US Airways.
“Regarding United Airlines, their financial health is a major concern to USAPA. With mounting losses, and a dismal balance sheet, UAL may not be the best dance partner for US Airways,†said USAPA President, Stephen Bradford. “If synergies mean cutting capacity at US Airways while we experience record load factors concurrent with positive industry yields, we simply aren’t interested.â€
USAPA represents over 5,000 US Airways pilots in seven domiciles across the United States.