ALPA's Communications Department provides information and support for news
media inquiries.  An ALPA communications representative can be reached in the Herndon, Va.
office at (703) 481-4440. 

News Release

Release # 03.034
April 18, 2003

ALPA Chief Blasts American Executive Perks as
Hundreds Lose Jobs

WASHINGTON, D.C.---The following statement was
issued today by Capt.  Duane Woerth, president of the Air Line Pilots
Association, International, the nationís largest pilotsí union, regarding
recent airline executive bonuses, compensation and stock grants in light of the
industryís current financial situation:

"Hundreds of airline workers at American
and American Eagle have lost their jobs or given significant wage, benefit and
work rule concessions since September 11 to help save their companies.  The
economic downturn and loss of high-yield business travelers have dramatically
impacted airline revenues, and both business and leisure travel are being
negatively impacted by the Gulf War.  Although airline workers have not caused
these problems, they have stepped forward, as always, to be part of the
solution. 

"Therefore, it is disconcerting, if not
outrageous, that airline executives at American are lining their pockets while
employees are subsidizing these bonuses and bankruptcy-protected retirement plan
trust funds.  These same managers are threatening to abrogate workersí
contracts in bankruptcy court and should share in the cost cutting.  Instead,
they are lining their own pockets, and padding their own pensions with solid
gold nest eggs. 

"Make no mistake: airline workers at
American and American Eagle are the reason their companies are the great
national assets they are, not management teams who come and go with
multi-million-dollar severance packages.  We will be here when most executives
are long gone, trying to carry on the proud legacy of this nationís air travel
industry." 

ALPA represents 66,000 airline pilots at 42
airlines in the U.S. and Canada, including approximately 2,600 American Eagle
pilots.  Its Web site is at http://www.alpa.org.