AirTran Pilots Vote Overwhelmingly for Representation by Air Line Pilots Association

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Today, the National Pilots Association, representing the nearly 1,700 pilots of AirTran Airways, have voted in overwhelming numbers to join the nearly 53,000 member strong Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA). Over 94.8 percent of eligible pilots voted in this election, a record turnout for AirTran’s pilots. 87.92 percent voted yes.

“We are proud to be the latest pilot group to be joining ALPA,” said Linden Hillman, Interim President of the National Pilots Association. We had a choice to cling to the past, keep complaining about our failures, and refuse to accept reality or make a bold decision for our future.”

AirTran pilots now have access to ALPA’s unparalleled professional resources and expertise, and are able to fully participate in working with AirTran management in constructing a successful future for AirTran Airways.

For nearly 12 years, AirTran pilots were represented by the National Pilots Association, an independent union. “This merger will allow our pilot representatives to focus more on day-to-day pilot issues and strategic planning, while collaborating with 35 other pilot groups and ALPA’s professional staff who are the best in the business, run the most successful pilot union recognized by pilots world wide. Our success will not happen by accident,” said Hillman.

The ALPA Executive Board, which will meet April 28-29, must ratify the merger agreement. Following a successful vote, the merger will be effective on May 1, 2009.