Regional Airline Partnership (RAP) Promises a New Voice For the Concerns of Regional Aviation

    PHOENIX, April 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Today marked the formation of a new
 organization intended to increase the focus on issues facing regional
 aviation.  Regional Airline Partnership (RAP) promises to be an independent
 voice focusing on the needs of regional aviation and the communities it
 serves.  RAP will consist of members from all sectors of regional aviation
 including regional airlines, manufacturers, labor, airports, passenger groups
 and local governments of smaller communities dependent upon regional airline
 service as their link to the national transportation system.
     RAP will be headed by Executive Director Maurice Parker.  Mr. Parker
 served as a Federal Mediator for the National Mediation Board from 1978 to
 1997.  From 1997 to the present, Mr. Parker has worked as an independent
 arbitrator, mediator, and consultant.  In 1998, he obtained his Doctorate of
 Jurisprudence from South Texas College of Law.  In addition, Mr. Parker has
 served on the Board of Directors of Mesa Air Group since 1999.
     "The regional airline industry has seen tremendous overall growth in
 recent years as the result of the introduction of regional jets.  An often-
 overlooked consequence of this shift in emphasis has been a dramatic reduction
 in air service to rural America.  RAP is envisioned as a true 'grass roots'
 effort based upon leveraging advanced communication technology.  Issues such
 as the ever-increasing costs of escalating government regulation, airport
 access, infrastructure development, and the Essential Air Service Program will
 be at the forefront of our agenda.  RAP will take a clear position on these
 matters and make sure that our position is communicated to the 'powers that
 be' at all levels of government and industry," said Mr. Parker.
     "Regional airline service to the communities of rural America is in
 serious jeopardy.  Without dramatic change and action these communities will
 certainly face further reductions in service, higher airfares and,
 potentially, a complete loss of access to the national transportation system.
 The intent of RAP is to work together with a broad coalition to bring the
 critical issues facing rural aviation into national focus.  Our initial
 response to our efforts has been overwhelming -- senators, congressmen,
 governors, mayors, as well as industry and labor leaders have recognized this
 as a valid effort and have assured us of their interest and support," said
 Jonathan Ornstein, Mesa Air Group Chairman and CEO.
     RAP will maintain offices in Washington, DC, Houston, TX and Phoenix, AZ.
 Interested parties may find out more about the Regional Airline Partnership
 (RAP) by contacting us via e-mail at RAP@mesa-air.com.
 
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SOURCE  Regional Airline Partnership

    PHOENIX, April 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Today marked the formation of a new
 organization intended to increase the focus on issues facing regional
 aviation.  Regional Airline Partnership (RAP) promises to be an independent
 voice focusing on the needs of regional aviation and the communities it
 serves.  RAP will consist of members from all sectors of regional aviation
 including regional airlines, manufacturers, labor, airports, passenger groups
 and local governments of smaller communities dependent upon regional airline
 service as their link to the national transportation system.
     RAP will be headed by Executive Director Maurice Parker.  Mr. Parker
 served as a Federal Mediator for the National Mediation Board from 1978 to
 1997.  From 1997 to the present, Mr. Parker has worked as an independent
 arbitrator, mediator, and consultant.  In 1998, he obtained his Doctorate of
 Jurisprudence from South Texas College of Law.  In addition, Mr. Parker has
 served on the Board of Directors of Mesa Air Group since 1999.
     "The regional airline industry has seen tremendous overall growth in
 recent years as the result of the introduction of regional jets.  An often-
 overlooked consequence of this shift in emphasis has been a dramatic reduction
 in air service to rural America.  RAP is envisioned as a true 'grass roots'
 effort based upon leveraging advanced communication technology.  Issues such
 as the ever-increasing costs of escalating government regulation, airport
 access, infrastructure development, and the Essential Air Service Program will
 be at the forefront of our agenda.  RAP will take a clear position on these
 matters and make sure that our position is communicated to the 'powers that
 be' at all levels of government and industry," said Mr. Parker.
     "Regional airline service to the communities of rural America is in
 serious jeopardy.  Without dramatic change and action these communities will
 certainly face further reductions in service, higher airfares and,
 potentially, a complete loss of access to the national transportation system.
 The intent of RAP is to work together with a broad coalition to bring the
 critical issues facing rural aviation into national focus.  Our initial
 response to our efforts has been overwhelming -- senators, congressmen,
 governors, mayors, as well as industry and labor leaders have recognized this
 as a valid effort and have assured us of their interest and support," said
 Jonathan Ornstein, Mesa Air Group Chairman and CEO.
     RAP will maintain offices in Washington, DC, Houston, TX and Phoenix, AZ.
 Interested parties may find out more about the Regional Airline Partnership
 (RAP) by contacting us via e-mail at RAP@mesa-air.com.
 
                     MAKE YOUR OPINION COUNT -  Click Here
                http://tbutton.prnewswire.com/prn/11690X48763779
 
 SOURCE  Regional Airline Partnership