On December 31, 1997, the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) filed an application invoking the services of the National Mediation Board (NMB) pursuant to the Board's Procedures for Handling Representation Issues Resulting from Mergers, Acquisitions or Consolidations in the Railroad Industry, 14 NMB 388 (1987). ALPA requested that "the Board initiate an investigation as to whether Pan Am and Carnival may soon create a single transportation system, or whether they continue to constitute separate carriers for purposes of the Railway Labor Act, as amended." The application has been assigned NMB File No. CR-6622.

ALPA represents the craft or class of Flight Deck Crew Members on Carnival Air Lines pursuant to a certification in NMB Case No. R-6447. Carnival Air Lines, Inc., 23 NMB 322 (1996). The employees at Pan American World Airways are not represented by any organization or individual.

The Board assigned Mediator Samuel J. Cognata to conduct the investigation.

On April 1, 1998, Pan American World Airways informed the Mediator that:
The NMB likely is already aware that Pan American World Airways, Inc. filed a voluntary petition for protection from its creditors under Chapter 11, Title 11, U.S. Code on February 26, 1998. The operating authority of Pan American World Airways, Inc. was suspended on February 25, 1998, and Pan American World Airways, Inc. does not operate at this time.

On April 3, 1998, Carnival Air Lines informed the Mediator that the Carrier "is involved in bankruptcy proceedings" and "has terminated its operations."

ALPA has requested that the Board hold the matter in abeyance pending resolution of the bankruptcy proceedings.

Since the carriers have ceased operations, the application is dismissed without being subject to Part 1206.4 of the NMB Rules. NMB File No. CR-6622 is converted to NMB Case No. R-6602 and closed.

By direction of the NATIONAL MEDIATION BOARD.

Stephen E. Crable

Chief of Staff