Alexandria, VA (September 23, 2005) - The Airforwarders Association (AfA), the industry voice for air cargo companies and their partners, is pleased to announce Ross Bacarella, President of the Connecticut-based BTX Air Express, as the newest member of the Association's Board of Directors. BTX Air Express, a family owned business for two generations, is an air freight forwarding network comprised of 18 member stations and a National Customer Service Center. Mr. Bacarella has over 30 years of experience in the industry.

"Mr. Bacarella's experience in this industry is second to none," said David Wirsing, executive director of the Airforwarders Association. "He has held virtually every position from the ground up throughout his life and it is that dynamic and grassroots understanding of the industry that we want at the top of our organization." The Association's Board of Director's currently consists of sixteen seasoned air freight professionals from around the country. These industry thought-leaders help to craft the messaging of the Association, raise industry-wide awareness for the role forwarders play in air transportation, as well as exploring and facilitating ways in which the forwarding industry can improve and expand services to shippers, among many other services. "I am honored at the opportunity to serve on the Airforwarders Board of Directors," said Mr. Barcarella. "Freight forwarding is an important component of our nation's cargo and transportation infrastructure. My family has devoted our lives to this business and we are proud of the work that we do everyday. I am looking forward to working with my peers in the Association to further improve the air cargo industry."

About the Airforwarders Association
The Airforwarders Association, with a full membership of more than 250 members, was founded in 1990, and today provides lobbying, training, information, and other beneficial services to the air forwarding community. The association works closely with the U.S. Congress, U.S. federal regulatory agencies and administration departments, air carriers, service providers, and other industry-related entities throughout America and abroad. For more information visit www.airforwarders.org