Allied Pilots Association Issues Statement on Gol Airlines Flight 1907 Accident Investigation.

'We Will Maintain Our Commitment to Serving Our Valued Customers in Brazil'

FORT WORTH, Texas -- The Allied Pilots Association (APA), collective bargaining agent for the 13,000 pilots of American Airlines (NYSE:AMR), has issued a statement emphasizing the importance of a "full, fair and timely investigation" into the cause of the accident involving Gol Airlines Flight 1907 on Sept. 29 in Brazil. A Gol Airlines Boeing 737 went down with the loss of all 154 aboard following an apparent mid-air collision with an ExcelAire Embraer Legacy 600. Although damaged, the ExcelAire jet landed safely at a remote military airfield.

"The Allied Pilots Association shares the world's desire for a full, fair and timely investigation into the cause of the tragic accident involving Gol Airlines Flight 1907. We are confident Brazilian authorities will observe the universal principle of innocent until proven guilty and will conduct their investigation in a manner commensurate with Brazil's standing as a great nation. As we await the investigation's findings, we will continue to keep everyone affected by this tragedy in our thoughts and prayers. In addition, APA will maintain its commitment to providing American Airlines' valued customers in Brazil with the service they rightfully expect."

That is the full text of the pilot union's statement. APA officials will have no further comment for the duration of the accident investigation.

Founded in 1963, APA is headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas. There are currently 2,852 American Airlines pilots on furlough. The furloughs began shortly after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks. Also, several hundred American Airlines pilots are on full-time military leave of absence serving in the armed forces. The union's Web site address is www.alliedpilots.org. American Airlines is the nation's largest passenger carrier.