Flight Options Pilots Ratify First Labor Agreement

CLEVELAND, April 1 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Airline Division, Teamsters Local 1108 and Flight Options, LLC, the Cleveland-based provider of luxury business jet fractional ownership and jet card programs, announced that pilots have ratified a first labor agreement on March 31, 2010.  

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"The new contract with Flight Options is the basis for a strong labor-management partnership between the Teamsters and Flight Options, LLC," said Capt. David Bourne, Teamsters Airline Division Director.  "A first contract that works for pilots and their families, as well as management and Flight Options customers, is a great achievement for the entire industry."

"This was a significant milestone for Flight Options.  Since our inception, our flight crews have been the cornerstone of our operation," said Kenn Ricci, Chairman of Flight Options. "The new agreement further solidifies Flight Options' position as a premier employer of pilots and ensures the long term success of our company."

After more than three years of negotiations, the Teamsters reached a tentative agreement with Flight Options, LLC management on January 28, 2010.  Ballots were counted in Cleveland, Ohio on March 31, 2010.  The agreement was ratified by 88 percent of the union's membership.

"This contract would not be possible without the collective effort of the entire organization," said Michael Silvestro, CEO.  "I am particularly proud of the fact that we are able to make a significant financial commitment to our pilots even in this difficult economic environment."

The parties will convene in mid-April for an official contract signing ceremony.  The new agreement provides for an immediate salary increase, longevity increases, additional paid time off, job security protections, an expansive basing system, and a grievance and arbitration process.

"This contract is the product of thousands of hours of work and a joint commitment to the success of our pilots and the company," said Capt. Mat Slinghoff, President of Teamsters Local 1108.  "The pilots I represent have achieved a milestone and they look forward to playing an active role in the company's future success."

About Teamsters Local 1108

Teamsters Local 1108, part of the Teamsters Airline Division, represents more than 500 pilots employed by Flight Options, LLC.  The International Brotherhood of Teamsters was founded in 1903 and represents more than 1.4 million hardworking men and women in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.

About Flight Options

Flight Options has earned a reputation as a leader and innovator within the private jet industry. For over 11 years, Flight Options has continued to offer the complete spectrum of programs from fractional ownership to leasing, aircraft management, and JetPASS Select 25-hour card membership. The company is an industry leader in private aviation safety and provides personalized service to over 1,300 Owners and Members.  Flight Options owns and operates a fleet of more than 100 aircraft consisting of the Hawker 400XP, Hawker 800XP, Citation X, and Embraer Legacy 600 with the revolutionary new Phenom 300 arriving in April 2010. More information is available at www.flightoptions.com or by calling 877.703.2348.

SOURCE International Brotherhood of Teamsters