Allied Pilots Association Supports the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA); Pilots Urge the FAA to Rejoin Contract Talks With NATCA and to Reach a Voluntary Agreement Versus a Contract Imposed by Congress.

FORT WORTH, Texas -- The Allied Pilots Association (APA), collective bargaining agent for the 13,000 pilots of American Airlines (NYSE:AMR), issued the following statement today in support of the 14,000 air traffic controllers of NATCA:

"APA is grateful for the work of America's air traffic controllers, whose expertise, professionalism and dedication have provided the safest air traffic control system in the world. We support NATCA's efforts to obtain a fair and equitable contract. We believe a voluntary resolution is always better than one settled by force, and we urge the Federal Aviation Administration to accept NATCA's offer to return to the bargaining table. A congressionally imposed contract would further strain labor relations and impede efforts to attract and retain the best people to run our air traffic control system."

That is the complete text of APA's statement. NATCA and the FAA face a June 5 deadline for reaching a consensual agreement. After June 5, Congress can impose new contractual terms on the controllers.

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.