CHICAGO -- United Airlines Flight Attendant Master Executive Council President Greg Davidowitch, of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, AFL-CIO, issued the following statement regarding the Air Transportation Stabilization Board’s decision to deny United Airlines’ application for an ATSB loan guarantee.
 
“United Airlines and its employees have faced many challenges as we struggle to turn this airline around. The ATSB’s decision not to extend a loan guarantee is another challenge that will force United to adjust its plans, but not to fail at the ultimate goal of returning our airline to the successful competitor it once was.
 
“The restructuring process has been long and painful for all the employees at United, but now we’re at a turning point. The last piece of the puzzle needed for our company to emerge from bankruptcy is the exit financing. While we believe the ATSB loan guarantee was the best option for our airline, it is not the only option. Now United will need to shift focus and raise the equity from other sources.
 
“United flight attendants are committed to the long-term success of this company. We’re on the planes every day helping to ensure United’s success with our hard work and dedication. And as United’s most visible work group, we have played a major part in turning this airline around. 
 
“Our flight attendants have made a significant investment in United Airlines—both personally and financially—and we intend to ensure that our investment pays off.”
 
More than 46,000 Flight Attendants, including the 21,000 flight attendants at United, join together to form AFA, the world’s largest flight attendant union. AFA is part of the 700,000 member strong Communications Workers of America, AFL-CIO. Visit us at www.unitedafa.org.