Pilots Union Demands Action in Wake of DHL Announcement

Statement from Captain David Ross, President of Airline Professional Association / Teamsters Local 1224, representing the pilots who fly for ABX Air, Inc.

WILMINGTON, Ohio, May 28 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, DHL announced plans to restructure its U.S. operations. By partnering with United Parcel Service (UPS) for air cargo delivery, DHL effectively eliminates the role of ABX Air, Inc., which has served as the major air freighter for DHL in North America for the past five years. As a result, thousands of jobs in Ohio and Wilmington are now in jeopardy.

Sadly, it's evident that management at Air Transport Services Group (ATSG), the parent company of ABX Air, Inc., was caught flat-footed by DHL's decision. They have run this company into the ground, and we are suffering the consequences.

For the future of ABX Air Inc., and its employees in Wilmington and beyond, I respectfully ask that:

1. ATSG President and CEO Joseph Hete resign immediately.

Just two weeks ago, at the company's annual meeting, Hete said he was "significantly more optimistic than [he] was a few months ago about our future with DHL". This is not Hete's first disastrous error in judgment, utter misunderstanding of a situation, or failure to plan, but we hope it will be his last as an officer of this company. We are demanding his immediate departure.

2. Government and community leaders unite to save ABX Air, Inc.

We are asking all public officials at the local, state and national levels to pursue all available means to prevent this potential massive job loss in a state already hit hard by recession, high fuel prices and unemployment. The Wilmington air hub has enjoyed roughly half a billion dollars in infrastructure improvements and incentives; ABX's departure would be a major blow to Southwestern Ohio and the entire state.

3. ABX Air, Inc. not transfer any assets or immediately engage in major restructuring.

Transferring planes and other assets to other companies within the ATSG network would be a clear sign that Hete is abandoning Wilmington. This move could be a precursor to bankrupting ABX, and would be fatal to the Wilmington community. We are inquiring and asking others to inquire about any financial restructuring that might further expedite the downfall of this company and toss thousands of employees into the street.

The ABX family - and this community - have been dealt a major blow today; we stand ready to work with the community, shareholders, stakeholders, and others to minimize the damage and move forward.

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Source: Teamsters Local 1224

CONTACT: Dave Ross of Teamsters Local 1224, +1-937-383-2500

2008-05-28 17:58:54 0372279 PRNEWSWIRE