I want to recognize our AFA leadership team at US Airways, especially Roger Holmin and Deborah Volpe, for their hard work and perseverance on behalf of US Airways' flight attendants," said Doug Parker, US Airways' chairman and CEO. "We would also like to express our appreciation to the National Mediation Board, Board Member Linda Puchala and Mediator Jim Mackenzie for their assistance in reaching this agreement." Following ratification today, the new contract specifies negotiations to begin within thirty days between airline officials at US Airways and American Airlines, AFA and the union representing American Airlines flight attendants, the Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA). The talks would establish protocols for reaching a combined collective bargaining agreement once the merger of US Airways and American Airlines, announced on Feb. 14, is closed. The merger is expected to close by the third quarter of this year following regulatory agency and bankruptcy court approvals.