Pilots for America West and US Airways Hold Joint Session

Pilots for America West and US Airways Hold Joint Session
Merger Policy, Transition Process, and Bankruptcy Concerns Highlight
Discussions 


PHOENIX, June 6  /PRNewswire/ -- Leaders for the pilot groups of America West
(NYSE:AWA) and US Airways (OTC:UAIRQ) (BULLETIN BOARD: UAIRQ) , represented by
the Air Line Pilots Association, Int'l (ALPA), today held a joint session to
discuss issues of mutual concern relating to the proposed transaction between
the two airlines. The pilot groups received briefings from ALPA staff and
advisers on a range of issues, including US Airways' bankruptcy, transaction
details, and merger policy.

The pilot groups explored ways to work together toward each group's mutual
benefit and future. Shared concerns about contract enforcement and
enhancements, job security and protections, and pilot seniority were voiced. No
discussions took place concerning seniority integration, since this process is
governed by the provisions of ALPA Merger Policy.

"The importance of the discussion was to look at alternatives to secure our
future," said James "J.R." Baker, Master Executive Council (MEC) chairman for
the America West pilots union.  "Both pilot groups have made sacrifices in the
past to help ensure the viability of their respective companies and want to
ensure that these sacrifices are recognized by the new management team."

"During this discussion, the members of both MECs learned how we can turn
possible difficulties that may result from a potential merger process into
opportunities. I am pleased that we have taken the first steps that will begin
the process to align both pilot groups in order to attain our common goals,
while at the same time respecting our separate concerns," said US Airways MEC
Chairman Captain Bill Pollock.

Following the joint session, each MEC met separately to discuss how to use the
information presented to best represent the respective pilot groups.

Presently, US Airways has received permission from the Bankruptcy Court to
review alternate plans of reorganization proposals for a 30-day period, which
will end on July 1, 2005. If no proposals are received by that date, the Merger
Agreement and Investment Agreements will be considered the approved proposal
without a court action, and US Airways intends to propose a plan of
reorganization which implements those agreements.

ALPA is the world's largest pilot union, representing 64,000 pilots at 41
airlines in the U.S. and Canada. Visit the ALPA Web site at
http://www.alpa.org/. 

DATASOURCE: Air Line Pilots Association



CONTACT:  America West pilot contact: Herb Holland, America West Pilots

Master Executive Council, [phone], or US Airways pilot contact: Jack

Stephan, US Airways Pilots Master Executive Council, [phone],

[phone], both of the Air Line Pilots Association



Web site:  http://www.alpa.org/ 

Copyright