SEATTLE, Jan. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Horizon Air flight
attendants and pilots together with their unions approved new
contracts this week. With these agreements in place, pending
board approval and acceptable commercial terms for the aircraft,
Horizon Air is set to move forward with its plan to add regional
jets to its existing fleet of Q400s, providing an improved regional
experience for customers.
Horizon Air flight attendants represented by the Association of
Flight Attendants (AFA) have approved a one year contract
extension. The extended contract becomes amendable in
July 2019. The ratification vote
passed with 69 percent of the participating flight attendants
voting in favor of the agreement.
Horizon Air pilots represented by the International Brotherhood
of Teamsters (IBT) announced today that Horizon Air's pilots
ratified a new eight-year contract. There were 576 eligible pilot
voters and among the 89 percent of pilots who voted, 69 percent
approved ratification.
"These agreements were achieved in partnership with IBT and AFA
to ensure the company has the best pilots and flight attendants in
place while enabling a cost structure that sets Horizon up to
successfully compete and grow as a regional airline," said Horizon
president David Campbell.
Flight Attendant Contract Details
The new flight attendant contract includes pay raises,
productivity enhancements through new scheduling language and
implementation of a preferential bidding system (PBS). Flight
attendants previously ratified a five-year contract on July 18, 2013.
"We are pleased that we were able to reach an agreement that
recognizes the importance of the flight attendant workgroup and new
growth opportunities for our airline," said Diana Shaw, Horizon Air's vice president of
customer service. "This is a testament to the hard work of the AFA
local leadership and the company's commitment to providing market
competitive wages and benefits, all while honoring the excellent
service our flight attendants provide to our customers."
"Horizon Air flight attendants are a key factor in the success
of our airline. Through hard work and engaged members, we were able
to reach an agreement that contributes to Horizon's ability to
secure jet flying," said Lexie
Graham, AFA president at Horizon Air.
Horizon Air Pilot Contract Details
The new pilot contract includes wage increases, productivity
enhancements through new scheduling language, implementation of a
preferential bidding system (PBS), as well as quality of life
enhancements including new reserve language as well as a new
commuter policy. The extended contract becomes amendable in
December 2024.
"We are excited to work together with the IBT to build a
stronger, sustainable and profitable business for Horizon Air –
even in an increasingly competitive landscape. We believe this
agreement will continue to provide a great work environment for our
pilot team," said Brad Lambert,
Horizon Air vice president of Flight Operations.
Pilots and Flight Attendants are covered by the Railway Labor
Act, so labor agreements do not expire; they become amendable and
remain in effect until a new contract is ratified.
Horizon Air is a subsidiary of Alaska Air Group and flies to 39
cities across the United States,
Canada and Mexico.
Alaska Airlines, a subsidiary of Alaska Air Group (NYSE: ALK),
together with its partner regional airlines, serves more than 100
cities through an expansive network in the United States, Canada, Costa
Rica and Mexico. Alaska
Airlines ranked "Highest in Customer Satisfaction among Traditional
Carriers in North America" in the
J.D. Power North America Airline Satisfaction Study for eight
consecutive years from 2008 to 2015. Alaska Airlines' Mileage Plan
also ranked "Highest in Customer Satisfaction with Airline Loyalty
Rewards Programs" in the J.D. Power 2014 and 2015 Airline
Loyalty/Rewards Program Satisfaction Report. For reservations,
visit www.alaskaair.com. For more news and information, visit
Alaska Airlines' newsroom at www.alaskaair.com/newsroom.
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SOURCE Alaska Air Group