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NEW YORK, Oct 23, 2003 (BUSINESS WIRE) --

Universal Express, Inc. (OTCBB:USXP) CEO Richard Altomare expects reduced airfares when airlines model the parcel carriers'system of moving packages. Altomare made specific recommendations about a nationwide luggage movement system in his Transportation Security White Paper 'More Security, Less Hassle for American Travelers: A Private Sector Solution for the Airline Industry'which was disseminated this week on Capitol Hill in Washington D.C. The White Paper addresses the costs associated with transporting baggage. When incorporated by the airlines, he anticipates his plan could result in lower ticket prices.

Richard Altomare states, 'I am proposing a security fee for passengers and a security fee for their baggage. This involves separating baggage from the passengers and encouraging travelers to ship their bags prior to the departure date. The luggage would be transported in a similar manner as the 5 billion parcels shipped annually by businesses and consumers utilizing parcel carriers. Passengers still have the option to carry bags to the airport but will pay a higher separate charge per piece plus a per baggage security fee for the screening service by the TSA and airport authorities. But, the passenger can choose how to handle his own baggage. My plan further enables the airlines to save between $1.6 billion and $4 billion in labor costs due to the diminished need for baggage handlers, damage claims and lost baggage, as well as generating in excess of 250,000 private sector jobs. There will be no reason for airlines to continue to charge additional fees to a traveler that cooperates with the new baggage system. This should result in lower ticket costs. This proposal is further addressed in Tuesday's Congressional Quarterly. We are pleased that our plan is being discussed on Capitol Hill and has drawn the attention of the Capitol Hill media.'

Satish Jindel, a transportation industry expert and Principal at SJ Consulting Group in Pittsburgh notes, 'In order to be financially healthy, airlines should establish a separate charge for transporting bags by unbundling the current airfare for passengers. According to the proposal spelled out in Mr. Altomare's White Paper, parcel carriers offer a model for the airlines, which can be used to restructure airline fares. In the last 15 years, the leading parcel carriers have unbundled their parcel rates. By imposing special charges from 8%-35%, the parcel carrier rates reflected the differences in the customers'needs and the subsequent cost of services. Thus according to the White Paper, with the implementation of a separate baggage transportation charge for check-in and carry-on by airlines and a separate baggage security screening fee by the TSA; a passenger with one small bag will pay less for the total trip than a passenger with two check-ins and one carry-on. These charges will create incentive for passengers to travel with fewer and smaller bags. The result will be enhanced security, and faster movement of passengers in and out of the airport. I applaud the recommendations proposed in this White Paper. Incorporating a separate charge for bags will generate several billion dollars in new revenue for the airlines and should result in lower fares for passengers that travel light.'

For a copy of the White Paper contact: Mr. Ron Garner, Equitilink, 877-788-1940