Eastern Air Lines Completes Current Round- Equity Fund Raise

MIAMI, July 31, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Eastern Air Lines is pleased to announce the closing of its current equity round, with a major investment from Mr. Vincent Viola. Mr. Viola is an investor and entrepreneur whose business career has spanned over three decades. He previously rose to Chairman of the New York Mercantile Exchange, and is currently the Chairman of Virtu Financial, as well as  the co-founder and a significant shareholder in Independent Bank in Texas and the owner of the Florida Panthers of the National Hockey League.

Mr. Viola is also a graduate of the United States Military Academy and New York Law School and has led the funding and creation of the Combating Terrorism Center at West Point. Over the past 30 years he has been a leading advocate for veteran's issues and philanthropy.

"We are extremely honored to have Mr. Viola as our major shareholder and having the benefit of his broad business experience as a board member. He is a patriot as well as a highly accomplished business and civic leader, with a strong commitment to South Florida where Eastern is headquartered", said Ed Wegel, Eastern's President and CEO.

Mr. Viola commented, "I am delighted to be part of the re-launch of this great American company, and look forward to working closely with Eastern's board and management in guiding the growth of this charter airline."

www.easternairlines.aero
@flyeastern

For further information, please contact:
Michael Jennings
Manager, Corporate Development
Eastern Air Lines Group, Inc.
305-869-4241
[email protected]

SOURCE Eastern Air Lines Group, Inc.