UAL Unions Announce Support for United Airlines' Washington-to-Beijing Route Application
Posted on: Thursday, 9 November 2006, 12:00 CST
WASHINGTON, Nov. 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Four top unions representing more than 45,000 key employees announced today their support of United Airlines' application for the first and only nonstop air route between Washington, D.C., and Beijing, China.
United's branches of the Air Line Pilots Association, International Association of Machinists, Association of Flight Attendants and Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association urged the U.S. Department of Transportation to select Washington, D.C., as the gateway for the new U.S.-China route. DOT is expected announce its decision by the end of 2006.
"Our professional pilots recognize the importance of connecting capitals and cultures," said Captain Mark Bathurst, Chairman, of ALPA's UAL Master Executive Council, which represents more than 6,000 United pilots. "United's route is the only one under consideration that would accomplish this vital goal."
The International Association of Machinists -- which represents some 20,000 United baggage handlers, customer service personnel and other employees -- also voiced its support.
"As a 21st century labor union, IAM believes connecting Washington and Beijing is the right way to bring international relations and travel up to speed," said Randy Canale, president and Directing General Chairman of District 141 of the International Association of Machinists at United. "We strongly encourage the Department of Transportation to recognize the importance of doing so while it has the opportunity."
Greg Davidowitch President, United Master Executive Council of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, expressed the support of the union that represents nearly 17,000 United employees.
"AFA Union Members know the benefit of bringing people together and our airline's proposed route between Beijing and Washington, D.C., will create boundless opportunities for air travelers, our communities and our nation," Davidowitch said. "The diversity and experience of United Flight Attendants who work and live in major cities around the world will expertly usher this new cultural connection while we address the needs of business travelers, government officials and tourists. Everyone can see the benefits of approving this route."
United's Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association also echoed support for the route.
"United's effort to further link the fast growing economy of China with the capital of the United States is the logical choice," said Jim Seitz, Airline Contract Administration Coordinator of the United AMFA, which represents 5,600 airline mechanics and related employees. "We support efforts to establish Capital to Capital Service."
In addition to lending their support to United's route application, the union leaders also noted the company's close existing relationship with China's growing aviation industry. At its San Francisco maintenance base United currently provides engine overhaul and other services for Air China, and its Denver Flight Training Center has been certified by China's equivalent of the FAA to train pilots for Chinese airlines. Since 1999, United has also invested in the developing Chinese aviation market through a management exchange and training program at the Civil Aviation University of China and as the sponsor of the Wright Brothers Program which provides training and technical expertise to leaders throughout the Chinese aviation industry.
A recently released economic impact study by George Mason University concluded that the direct route would generate up to 4,100 jobs in the Greater Washington metropolitan area.
Washington, D.C., is by far the largest metropolitan region without nonstop service to China, the U.S.'s third-largest trading partner and the fastest-growing market for U.S. goods exports. Washington also has the largest Chinese population of all U.S. markets without nonstop service to China.
About the Capital-to-Capital Coalition
The Capital-to-Capital Coalition advocates on behalf of businesses, trade associations, the diplomatic community, academics, opinion leaders and the air transport industry with the purpose of promoting direct access between Washington, D.C., and Beijing. The Coalition believes linking the capital cities of two of the world's most important nations will span a critical geopolitical divide and positively impact governmental, business, academic and cultural relations. We encourage the public to join us in our efforts by visiting our Web site at http://www.capitaltocapital.net/ .
Contact: Steve Krupin (202) 659-7911 skrupin@capitaltocapital.net
Capital-to-Capital Coalition
Contact: Steve Krupin of Capital-to-Capital Coalition, +1-202-659-7911,or skrupin@capitaltocapital.net
Web site: http://www.capitaltocapital.net/
Source: PRNewswire-FirstCall
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