ExpressJet Airlines’ (Houston) pilots, who are represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA), met this week to determine their position on the proposed sale of ExpressJet Airlines to SkyWest Holdings, Inc. (St. George) and the planned subsequent merger of the airline with Atlantic Southeast Airlines (ASA) (Atlanta), which was announced on August 4, 2010. The history of airline mergers has shown that pilot support is critical to an airline’s ability to fully realize the financial and operational gains from a merger.

After the August 4, 2010 announcement, the pilots’ union publicly stated a number of requirements that must be met for pilot support of the transaction:

– the transaction must result in a profitable airline that provides long-term stability and progressive career potential for our pilots;

– the transaction must honor the scope and successorship provisions of our collective bargaining agreement;

– management must commit to negotiating a joint collective bargaining agreement that benefits all pilots; and

– there must be a fair and equitable seniority list integration.

The union is now optimistic that the needs of the pilots will be protected.

Copyright Photo: Bruce Drum. Embraer ERJ 145XR (EMB-145XR) N13124 (msn 145689) operating as Continental Express prepares to land at Minneapolis/St. Paul.