Alexandria, VA (June 27, 2005) - David Wirsing, the Executive Director of the Airforwarders Association, issued the following statement in response to the GAO report issued today:

The Airforwarders Association (AfA), the industry voice for air cargo companies and their partners, closed its most recent quarter with a successful board of directors meeting and reception in Chicago for current and incoming members of the Association. United Airlines generously hosted the meeting and reception at their headquarters in Chicago, IL. In addition to discussing Association business, the meeting featured presentations by Scott Dolan, President of United Airlines Cargo, Peter McDonald, Executive Vice President of United Airlines and Glenn Tilton, CEO of United Airlines.

"United Airlines continues to exemplify best practices in the air cargo industry," said David Wirsing, executive director of the Airforwarders Association. "We appreciate their generous support, not only in hosting the Board meeting, but also in their work as members of the Association."

The Board meeting and member reception kicks off an exciting summer of new opportunities and aggressive work on behalf of AfA members. In addition to membership outreach efforts, the Airforwarders Association will continue to build and expand working relationships with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Transportation Security Administration and members of Congress to ensure air cargo policy strengthens aviation security while providing economic security for the industry and nation.

AfA's next Board of Directors meeting and reception for current, incoming and potential members will be held in September in Los Angeles, CA.

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