Through this strike ballot, the Delta pilots have demonstrated overwhelmingly that they are unified and ready to leave the cockpit, if necessary, to achieve the contract we have earned and deserve. The ball is now in management's court. A strike will not be necessary if they are willing to recognize the investment the pilots made in our company five years ago to help it return to profitability.

We believe everyone is best served by allowing the collective bargaining process to move forward, and we are confident we will be able to reach an agreement with management prior to the end of the 30-day cooling-off period.