WASHINGTON, D.C.—- Today, the cockpit crewmembers of American Trans Air (ATA), represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, International, ratified a four-year contract that includes substantial improvements in compensation, scheduling, and job security over the life of the agreement. Of the 823 crewmembers eligible to vote, 95% participated with 80.2% casting ballots in favor of the agreement.
Capt. Kevin Friel, chairman of the ATA unit of ALPA, attributed the successful outcome to the unity of the pilot group and the company’s commitment to the future, stating:
After more than two years of negotiations, ATA ALPA crewmembers finally have a contract that recognizes our professionalism and investments in this airline, which have helped make ATA the first-rate major airline it is today.  Although the recent economic conditions cast doubt on the company’s ability to balance the needs of the crewmembers and the airline’s need to grow, we believe this contract is a springboard for both parties toward achieving our mutual goal:  a stronger and more lucrative airline. 
I want to thank all ATA ALPA crewmembers for their unwavering resolve and tremendous support for our negotiators.  Without our solidarity, we would not be where we are today, and that is with a new contract worthy of major airline pilots. I also want to commend our company for their vision and commitment to keeping ATA on its current growth plan.
The new contract is retroactively effective to July 1, 2002 in terms of duration and compensation.  Other areas will be implemented over the course of the next few weeks.
American Trans Air is the tenth largest carrier in the nation.  Headquartered in Indianapolis, IN, ATA serves over 40 destinations worldwide with a fleet of Boeing 737-800s and 757s, and the L-1011 widebody, carrying 300-plus passengers.
The Air Line Pilots Association, International, represents 66,000 pilots at 43 airlines in the United States and Canada. Visit the ALPA Web site at http://www.alpa.org.
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