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                           SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION

          Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities
                    Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No.  )
        
Filed by the Registrant [X]

Filed by a Party other than the Registrant [_] 

Check the appropriate box:

[_]  Preliminary Proxy Statement        [_]  Confidential, for Use of the 
                                             Commission Only (as permitted by
                                             Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
[X]  Definitive Proxy Statement 

[_]  Definitive Additional Materials 

[_]  Soliciting Material Pursuant to Section 240.14a-11(c) or Section 240.14a-12

                         AIRBORNE FREIGHT CORPORATIONAirborne Freight Corporation
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               (Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)

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   (Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)

   
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Notes:


 
                         AIRBORNE FREIGHT CORPORATION
                       3101 WESTERN AVENUE,Western Avenue, P.O. BOXBox 662
                           SEATTLE, WASHINGTONSeattle, Washington 98111
 
                           NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING
                                OF SHAREHOLDERS
 
                           TO BE HELD APRIL 28, 199827, 1999
 
  Notice is hereby given that the annual meeting of the shareholders of
Airborne Freight Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), has been
called and will be held on April 28, 1998,27, 1999, at 10:00 a.m., Seattle time, at Cavanaugh's on Fifth Avenue, 1415The
Westin Hotel, 1900 Fifth Avenue, Seattle, Washington for the following
purposes:
 
  1. To elect three directors for terms of three years.
 
  2. To consider and act uponvote on a shareholder proposal to amendconcerning the Restated Certificate of
     Incorporationannual
     election of the Company to increase the numberentire Board of authorized shares
     of Common Stock from 60,000,000 to 120,000,000.Directors.
 
  3. To consider and act upon a proposal to approve the Airborne Freight
     Corporation 1998 Key Employee Stock Option Plan.
 
  4. To hear and consider reports from officers of the Company.
 
  5.4. To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting
     or any adjournments thereof.
 
  The foregoing matters are described in more detail in the Proxy Statement
that is attached to this notice.
 
  Only holders of record, as of the close of business on February 23, 1998,22, 1999, of
shares of Common Stock of the Company will be entitled to notice of and to
vote at the meeting and any adjournments thereof. The stock transfer books
will not be closed.
 
                                          By order of the Board of Directors
 
                                          /s/ David C. Anderson
                                          DAVID C. ANDERSON,
                                          Corporate Secretary/Counsel
 
  SHAREHOLDERS ARE URGED TO FILL IN, SIGN AND RETURN THE ENCLOSED PROXY IN THE
ENCLOSED ENVELOPE WHETHER OR NOT THEY PLAN TO ATTEND THE MEETING.

 
                                PROXY STATEMENT
 
                         AIRBORNE FREIGHT CORPORATION
         3101 WESTERN AVENUE,Western Avenue, P.O. BOXBox 662, SEATTLE, WASHINGTONSeattle, Washington 98111
 
                ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS, APRIL 28, 1998
 
                        DATE OF MAILING: MARCH 13, 199827, 1999
 
                        Date of Mailing: March 12, 1999
 
  This Proxy Statement is furnished in connection with the solicitation of
proxies by the Board of Directors (the "Board") of Airborne Freight
Corporation, a Delaware corporation ("Airborne" or the "Company"), for use at
the annual meeting of shareholders to be held at Cavanaugh's on Fifth Avenue,
1415The Westin Hotel, 1900 Fifth
Avenue, Seattle, Washington at 10:00 a.m., Seattle time, on Tuesday, April 28, 1998,27,
1999, and at any adjournments thereof. Georgeson & Co. of New York City has
been employed to solicit proxies (through approximately 50 of its employees)
by mail, telephone, or personal solicitation, for a fee to be paid by the
Company of not more than $8,000. Officers and regular employees of the Company
may solicit proxies by telephone, telegram, and personal calls, the cost of
which will be borne by the Company.
 
  At the annual meeting, the holders of shares of Common Stock of the Company
will (1) elect three directors for terms of three years and until their
successors have been elected and have qualified, (2) consider and act uponvote on a
shareholder proposal to amendconcerning the Restated Certificate of Incorporationannual election of the Company to
increase the numberentire Board of
authorized shares of Common Stock from 60,000,000 to
120,000,000,Directors, (3) consider and act upon a proposal to approve the Airborne
Freight Corporation 1998 Key Employee Stock Option Plan, (4) hear and consider reports from officers of the Company, and
(5)(4) transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting or
any adjournments thereof.
 
                             VOTING AT THE MEETING
 
  Only holders of record, as of the close of business on February 23, 1998,22, 1999, of
shares of Common Stock of the Company will be entitled to notice of and to
vote at the meeting and any adjournments thereof. The Common Stock is the only
class of voting securities of the Company currently outstanding. On February
23, 1998,22, 1999, there were 50,116,27448,534,065 shares of Common Stock outstanding (exclusive
of 512,0782,497,078 treasury shares), all of which will be entitled to vote at the
annual meeting on April 28, 1998 (all information in this Proxy Statement has
been adjusted as necessary to reflect the two-for-one stock split in the form
of a stock dividend effected in February 1998).27, 1999. At the meeting, the presence in person or by
proxy of a majority of the outstanding shares is required for a quorum.
 
  In deciding all matters at the meeting, other than the election of
directors, each shareholder will be entitled to one vote for each share of
stock held on the record date. For the election of directors, cumulative
voting applies, so that each shareholder will have the right to vote the
number of shares owned on the record date for as many persons as there are
directors to be elected; to cumulate such shares and give one nominee as many
votes as the number of directors to be elected (three) multiplied by the
number of shares held; or to distribute such number of 1
votes among as many
nominees and in such amounts as the holder shall determine. For shareholders
voting by proxy, provision is made on the proxy card for instructions as to
the manner of allocating votes.
 
                                       1

 
  Election of the persons nominated to serve as directors requires a plurality
of all the votes cast for directors. This means that the three individuals who
receive the largest number of votes cast are elected as directors. Approval of
the shareholder proposal to amend the Restated Certificate of Incorporation to increase
the number of authorized shares of Common Stock from 60,000,000 to 120,000,000
requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding shares.
Approval of the Airborne Freight Corporation 1998 Key Employee Stock Option
Plan (the "1998 Plan") requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the
shares represented in person or by proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote
on the proposal.
 
  Shareholders may withhold their vote from one or more of the nominees for
director and may abstain from voting on the proposals to amend the Restated
Certificate of Incorporation and to approve the 1998 Plan.shareholder proposal. Votes that
are withheld in the election of directors will be excluded in determining
whether a nominee has received a plurality of the votes cast. If a shareholder
abstains from voting on the shareholder proposal, to amend the Restated Certificate of
Incorporation or the proposal to approve the 1998 Plan, the abstention will have the
effect of a vote cast against the proposal.
 
  Brokerage firms holding shares in street name for customers are required to
vote such shares in the manner directed by their customers. In the absence of
timely directions, firms who are members of the New York Stock Exchange will
have discretion to vote their customers' shares on election of directors.
However, the proposals to amend the Restated Certificate of Incorporation and
approve the 1998 Plan areshareholder proposal is non-discretionary, and brokers who
receive no instructions from their customers will not be able to vote those
customers' shares on those proposals.it. Under applicable Delaware law, such broker non-
votes will count as votes against the proposal to amend the Restated
Certificate of Incorporation andnon-votes
will have no effect on the proposal to
approve the 1998 Plan.shareholder proposal.
 
  All shares represented by the enclosed proxy, if it is returned prior to the
meeting, will be voted in the manner specified by the shareholder. Unless a
shareholder provides specific instructions to withhold votes from, or to
allocate them to, one or more nominees for director, the persons named in the
proxy will be authorized to vote the shares represented thereby FOR the
election of the nominees for director and in their discretion to cumulate
votes and allocate them among the nominees to the extent and the manner
necessary to assure the election of all of the nominees. If any listed nominee
becomes unavailable, the persons named in the proxy may vote for any
substitute designated by the Nominating Committee of the Board; however,
management at this time has no reason to anticipate that this will occur. To
the extent specific instructions are not given with respect to the proposed
amendment to the Restated Certificate of Incorporation or theshareholder
proposal, to
approve the 1998 Plan, the shares represented by the proxy will be voted FOR
approval of these proposals.AGAINST the
proposal.
 
  You may revoke your proxy at any time before it has been voted by voting in
person at the meeting, by giving written notice of revocation to the Secretary
of the Company, or by giving a later dated proxy at any time before the
voting.
 
                                       2

 
  To the best of the Company's knowledge, as of February 23, 1998,22, 1999,
shareholders owning over 5% of the outstanding Common Stock of the Company
were as follows:
 
                            HOLDERS OF COMMON STOCKHolders of Common Stock
 
PERCENTAGE OF COMMON NUMBER OF STOCK NAME AND ADDRESS SHARES OUTSTANDINGPercentage of Common Number of Stock Name and Address Shares Outstanding ---------------- --------- ------------- Vanguard/PRIMECAP Fund, Inc. 3,400,000 7.0% P. O. Box 2600 Valley Forge, PA 19482 Westport Asset Management, Inc. 3,188,600 6.36%3,239,134 6.7% 253 Riverside Avenue Westport, CT 06880 Vanguard/PRIMECAP Fund, Inc. 3,160,000 6.31% P.O. Box 2600 Valley Forge, PA 19482 Capital Growth Management Limited Partnership 2,825,000 5.64% One International Place Boston, MA 02110
Information in this table is based on reports on Schedule 13G, or amendments thereto, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS The Company's Bylaws provide for no fewer than eight and no more than twelve directors, as determined from time to time by the Board. The Company's Board currently consists of nine members, divided into three classes with terms expiring at the April annual meeting as follows: CLASSClass A (THREE POSITIONS WITH TERMS EXPIRING IN 1998)(three positions with terms expiring in 2001): Andrew F. Brimmer Harold M. Messmer, Jr. Mary Agnes Wilderotter CLASSClass B (THREE POSITIONS WITH TERMS EXPIRING IN(three positions with terms expiring in 1999): Robert G. Brazier James H. Carey Andrew B. Kim CLASSClass C (THREE POSITIONS WITH TERMS EXPIRING IN(three positions with terms expiring in 2000): Robert S. Cline Richard M. Rosenberg William Swindells At the annual meeting, three persons will be elected to fill the Class AB positions, generally for terms of three years, to hold office until the annual meeting of shareholders in the year their terms expire (2001)(2002) and until their respective successors have been elected and shall have qualified as provided by the Bylaws. Messrs. BrimmerBrazier, Carey, and Messmer and Ms. WilderotterKim are present directors of the Company and have been nominated to continue as directors. Mr. Andrew F. Brimmer, a Class A director whose term expires in 2001, will retire from the Board following the annual meeting in April, because he has reached the age of 72. 3 NOMINEES FOR DIRECTORS TO SERVE A THREE-YEAR TERM CLASS A (TERMS TO EXPIRE IN 2001) ANDREW F. BRIMMER,Nominees for Directors to Serve a Three-Year Term Class B (Terms to Expire in 2002) Robert G. Brazier, age 71, President, Brimmer & Company, Inc. (economic and financial consulting). Mr. Brimmer heads Brimmer & Company, Inc., an economic and financial consulting firm which he established in 1976. He is a director of BlackRock Investment Income Trust and other BlackRock Funds; Borg-Warner Automotive, Inc.; CarrAmerica Corporation; E.I. duPont de Nemours and Company; and Navistar International Corporation. Mr. Brimmer has been a director of the Company since 1994 and is a member of the Audit Committee and the Nominating Committee. HAROLD M. MESSMER, JR., age 52, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Robert Half International, Inc. (personnel services). Mr. Messmer has been Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Robert Half International Inc., since 1987. Mr. Messmer is also a director of Health Care Property Investors, Inc. and Spieker Properties, Inc. Mr. Messmer, a director of the Company since 1989, serves as Chairman of the Nominating Committee and a member of the Compensation Committee. MARY AGNES WILDEROTTER, age 43, President and Chief Executive Officer, Wink Communications (telecommunications). Ms. Wilderotter has been President, Chief Executive Officer, and a director of Wink Communications since January 1997. From August 1995 to January 1997, she was Executive Vice President, National Operations of AT&T Wireless Services and Chief Executive Officer of Claircom, its aviation communications division. From October 1991 to August 1995, Ms. Wilderotter was President of the California/Nevada/Hawaii Region for McCaw Cellular Communications, Inc. She is a director of Electric Lightwave, Gaylord Entertainment and Jacor Communications. Ms. Wilderotter has been a director of the Company since 1996 and is a member of the Nominating Committee. CONTINUING DIRECTORS -- NOT STANDING FOR ELECTION THIS YEAR CLASS B (TERMS TO EXPIRE IN 1999) ROBERT G. BRAZIER, age 60,61, President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company. Mr. Brazier has served as President of the Company since 1978 and as Chief Operating Officer of the Company since 1973. Prior to that time he was Senior Vice President-Operations of the Company and Vice President of Sales and Operations of Pacific Air Freight, Inc. Mr. Brazier has been a director of the Company since 1974 and is a member of the Executive Committee. JAMESJames H. CAREY,Carey, age 65,66, Managing Director, Briarcliff Financial Associates (private financial advisory firm). Mr. Carey has been Managing Director of Briarcliff Financial Associates since 1991. He served as Chief Executive Officer of National Capital Benefits Corporation, a viatical 4 settlement company, from March 1994 to December 1995. Mr. Carey is a director of the Cowen Group of Mutual Funds; the Midland Company; and Nantucket Industries, Inc. He has been a director of the Company since 1978 and is a member of the Compensation Committee. ANDREWAndrew B. KIM,Kim, age 61,62, President, Sit/Kim International Investment Associates, Inc. (investment company). Mr. Kim has served as President of Sit/Kim International Investment Associates, Inc., since 1989. Mr. Kim is a director of Hyundai Dragon Fund of Dublin, Ireland; Ilshin Investment Corp. and Dong-A Venture Investment in Seoul, Korea; Asia Foods in Shanghai, China; and the Vertical Group of New York. Mr. Kim has been a director of the Company since 1994 and serves as Chairman of the Audit Committee. CLASSContinuing Directors--Not Standing for Election This Year Class C (TERMS TO EXPIRE IN(Terms to Expire in 2000) ROBERTRobert S. CLINE,Cline, age 60,61, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company. Mr. Cline has served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company since 1984. Prior to that time, he served as Vice Chairman, Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Senior Vice President- Finance and Vice President-Finance. He serves as a director of Safeco Corporation and Metricom, Inc., and as a member of the advisory board of Seafirst Bank. Mr. Cline, a director of the Company since 1973, is Chairman of the Executive Committee. RICHARDRichard M. ROSENBERG,Rosenberg, age 67, Chairman of the Executive Committee and68, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (Retired) of BankAmerica Corporation and Bank of America, NT&SA. Mr. Rosenberg served as Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Bank of America from 1990 to 1996 when he retired. Mr. Rosenberg serves as a director of BankAmerica Corporation; Northrop Grumman Corporation; Potlatch Corporation; and SBC 4 Communications. Mr. Rosenberg, a director of the Company since 1988, is Chairman of the Compensation Committee and a member of the Executive Committee. WILLIAM SWINDELLS,William Swindells, age 67,68, Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer, Willamette Industries, Inc. (forest products). Mr. Swindells has served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Willamette Industries, Inc., since 1985 and as its Chief Executive Officer from 1985 to 1996 and since 1997.from November 1997 to December 1998. He is a director of Standard Insurance Co. and Oregon Steel Mills. Mr. Swindells has been a director of the Company since 1994 and is a member of the Audit Committee. 5 Class A (Terms to Expire in 2001) Andrew F. Brimmer, age 72, President, Brimmer & Company, Inc. (economic and financial consulting). Mr. Brimmer heads Brimmer & Company, Inc., an economic and financial consulting firm which he established in 1976. He is a director of BlackRock Investment Income Trust and other BlackRock Funds; Borg-Warner Automotive, Inc.; and CarrAmerica Corporation. Mr. Brimmer has been a director of the Company since 1994 and is a member of the Audit Committee and the Nominating Committee. Harold M. Messmer, Jr., age 53, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Robert Half International, Inc. (personnel services). Mr. Messmer has been Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Robert Half International Inc., since 1987. Mr. Messmer is also a director of Health Care Property Investors, Inc. and Spieker Properties, Inc. Mr. Messmer, a director of the Company since 1989, serves as Chairman of the Nominating Committee and a member of the Compensation Committee. Mary Agnes Wilderotter, age 44, President and Chief Executive Officer, Wink Communications (telecommunications). Ms. Wilderotter has been President, Chief Executive Officer and a director of Wink Communications since January 1997. From August 1995 to January 1997, she was Executive Vice President, National Operations of AT&T Wireless Services and Chief Executive Officer of Claircom, its aviation communications division. From October 1991 to August 1995, Ms. Wilderotter was President of the California/Nevada/Hawaii Region for McCaw Cellular Communications, Inc. She is a director of Electric Lightwave Co.; Gaylord Communications; JCOR Communications; and American Tower Corporation. Ms. Wilderotter has been a director of the Company since 1996 and is a member of the Nominating Committee. BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND COMMITTEES The full Board of Directors met four times during 1997.1998. No incumbent member attended fewer than 75% of the meetings of the Board of Directors and Board committees of which he or she was a member during 1997. BOARD COMMITTEES1998, except Mr. Brimmer, who attended more than 60% of such meetings. 5 Board Committees The Board has a standing Audit Committee, Compensation Committee, Nominating Committee and Executive Committee. Each committee, other than the Executive Committee, consists exclusively of non-employee directors. AUDIT COMMITTEE.Audit Committee. The Audit Committee is currently composed of Mr. Kim, Chairman; Mr. Brimmer; and Mr. Swindells. The committee is charged with reviewing and approving the scope of the audit of the books and accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries, recommending the employment and retention of a firm of independent auditors to conduct such audit, reviewing the Company's financial reporting and control systems and reporting to the Board thereon. The committee met twice during 1997. COMPENSATION COMMITTEE.1998. Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee is currently composed of Mr. Rosenberg, Chairman; Mr. Carey; and Mr. Messmer. It is charged with the review of and recommendation to the full Board on matters relating to salaries of officers and all other forms of executive and key employee compensation and benefits, as well as the level and form of compensation for non-employee directors. The committee met three timestwice during 1997. NOMINATING COMMITTEE.1998. Nominating Committee. The Nominating Committee is currently composed of Mr. Messmer, Chairman; Mr. Brimmer; and Ms. Wilderotter. It is charged with searching for and recommending to the Board potential nominees for Board positions; evaluating the performance of the Chief Executive Officer; and recommending, when appropriate, the appointment of a new Chief Executive Officer and candidates for appointment to other offices. The committee met oncetwice during 1997.1998. Any shareholder recommendations for nominations to the Board of Directors for consideration by the Nominating Committee for the 1999 Annual Meeting should be forwarded to Mr. Harold M. Messmer, Jr., Chairman, Nominating Committee, Airborne Freight Corporation, P.O. Box 662, Seattle, Washington 98111, so as to be received no later than November 30, 1998. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.13, 1999. Executive Committee. The Executive Committee currently consists of Mr. Cline, Chairman; Mr. Brazier; and Mr. Rosenberg. It is authorized to act in lieu of the full Board on various matters between Board meetings. 6 DIRECTOR COMPENSATIONDirector Compensation Non-employee directors received an annual fee of $22,000 in 19971998 plus $1,000 for each Board and Committee meeting attended. The Company has a Directors Stock Option Plan ("Option Plan") and Director Stock Bonus Plan ("Bonus Plan") for non-employee directors of the Company. The Option Plan provides each such director annual grants of options to acquire 2,000 shares of the Company's Common Stock at an exercise price equal to the closing sales price on the New York Stock Exchange on the date of grant. The last grant under the Option Plan was made on February 2, 1999. Under the Bonus Plan, each director receives an annual award of shares of the Company's Common Stock having a value of $3,000$6,000 on the award date. The issuance of shares is deferred until the director retires or otherwise ceases to be a director of the Company. 76 STOCK OWNERSHIP OF MANAGEMENT The following table sets forth information as to the shares of Common Stock beneficially owned (or deemed to be beneficially owned pursuant to the rules of the SEC) by each director of the Company, by the Chief Executive Officer and the six other most highly compensated executive officers of the Company at December 31, 19971998 (the "named executive officers") and by all directors and executive officers as a group:
COMMON STOCK OF THE COMPANY PERCENTAGE OF BENEFICIALLY OWNED COMMON STOCK NAME AS OFCommon Stock of Percentage the Company of Beneficially Owned Common Stock Name as of 2/23/98 OUTSTANDING22/99 Outstanding ---- ------------------ ------------------------- DIRECTORSDirectors Andrew F. Brimmer 6,599/Brimmer.......................... 8,750/1/, /2//2/ * James H. Carey 7,799/Carey............................. 9,950/1/, /2//2/ * Andrew B. Kim 33,571/Kim.............................. 35,722/1/, /2//2/ * Harold M. Messmer, Jr. 18,399/Jr...................... 20,550/1/, /2//2/ * Richard M. Rosenberg 18,399/Rosenberg....................... 20,550/1/, /2//2/ * William Swindells 11,399/Swindells.......................... 15,400/1/, /2//2/ * Mary A. Wilderotter 2,175/Wilderotter........................ 4,525/1/, /2//2/ * NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERSNamed Executive Officers Robert S. Cline/3/ 504,404/........................ 580,726/4/ 1.00%1.2% Robert G. Brazier/3/ 692,774/...................... 764,274/4/ 1.38%1.6% John J. Cella 84,998/Cella.............................. 58,856/4/ * Carl D. Donaway 18,325/Donaway............................ 50,325/4/ * Kent W. Freudenberger 88,117/Freudenberger...................... 98,004/4/ * Roy C. Liljebeck 250,875/Liljebeck........................... 279,875/4/ * Raymond T. Van Bruwaene 89,314/Bruwaene.................... 67,795/4/ * All Directors and Executive Officers as a Group (16 persons) 1,850,806/.............................. 2,049,123/5/ 3.64%4.1%
- -------- * Less than 1% of Common Stock outstanding. /1/Includes shares subject to options granted under the Directors Stock Option Plan as follows: Mr. Brimmer, 6,000;8,000; Mr. Carey, 6,000;8,000; Mr. Kim, 8,000;10,000; Mr. Messmer, 14,000;16,000; Mr. Rosenberg, 14,000;16,000; Mr. Swindells, 6,000;2,000; and Ms. Wilderotter, 2,000.4,000. /2/Includes 399550 shares (175(325 shares for Ms. Wilderotter) issuable under the Director Stock Bonus Plan. /3/Mr. Brazier and Mr. Cline also serve as directors. /4/Includes shares subject to options granted under the Airborne Key Employee Stock Option and Stock Appreciation Rights PlanPlans as follows: Mr. Cline, 242,630;318,950; Mr. Brazier, 204,950;279,450; Mr. Cella, 54,210;24,262; Mr. Donaway, 15,130;44,670; Mr. Freudenberger, 54,210;54,376; Mr. Liljebeck, 84,990;116,990; and Mr. Van Bruwaene, 54,210. Excludes32,000. /5/Includes 967,503 shares subject to options that have been granted under(inclusive of the 1998 Plan but are subject to shareholder approval at the annual meeting. /5/ Includes 787,710 shares mentioned in Notes 1, 2 and 4, above) subject to options or issuable under the Director Stock Bonus Plan. 87 EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLESummary Compensation Table The following table sets forth information concerning annual and long-term compensation paid or accrued during calendar years 1998, 1997 1996 and 19951996 for services in all capacities to the Company by the named executive officers:
LONG-TERM COMPENSATION ANNUAL AWARDS: COMPENSATIONLong-Term Compensation Awards: Annual ------------ ----------------- SECURITIES UNDERLYING ALL OTHER NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITION YEAR SALARY BONUS/Compensation Securities Name and Principal ------------------ Underlying All Other Position Year Salary/1/ OPTIONS/Bonus/2/ COMPENSATION/Options/3/ Compensation/4/ - --------------------------------------------- ---- ----------------- -------- ------------ --------------- Robert S. Cline 1997 $541,538 $866,461 56,000 $24,2581998 $590,346 $531,311 150,000 $20,931 Chairman, Chief Executive 1997 541,538 866,461 56,000 24,258 Officer and Director 1996 513,846 -- 56,000 10,668 Officer and Director 1995 486,538 -- 30,800 4,800 Robert G. Brazier 1998 510,462 401,988 92,000 17,800 President, Chief 1997 466,538 653,153 38,000 19,670 President, Chief Operating 1996 443,154 -- 38,000 6,719 Officer and Director 1995 420,615John J. Cella 1998 319,039 166,697 40,000 17,366 Executive Vice President, 1997 292,461 283,697 16,000 19,852 International Division 1996 279,000 -- 26,600 1,65016,000 7,871 Carl D. Donaway 1998 319,039 189,030 40,000 17,366 President & Chief 1997 292,461 339,255 16,000 19,852 Executive 1996 269,846 -- 16,000 7,663 Officer, ABX Air, Inc. Kent W. Freudenberger 1998 319,039 198,601 40,000 17,245 Executive Vice President, 1997 292,461 324,632 16,000 19,852 Marketing Division 1996 279,000 -- 16,000 7,871 Roy C. Liljebeck 1998 319,039 224,539 40,000 17,366 Executive Vice President 1997 292,461 336,330 16,000 19,852 Executive Vice Presidentand Chief Financial 1996 279,000 -- 16,000 7,871 and Chief Financial 1995 266,000 -- 11,250 4,800 Officer Raymond T. Van Bruwaene 1998 319,039 189,030 40,000 17,245 Executive Vice President, 1997 292,461 350,953 16,000 19,852 Executive Vice President,Field Services Division 1996 279,000 -- 16,000 7,871 Field Services Division 1995 266,000 -- 11,250 4,800 Kent W. Freudenberger 1997 292,461 324,632 16,000 19,852 Executive Vice President, 1996 279,000 -- 16,000 7,871 Marketing Division 1995 266,000 -- 11,250 4,800 John J. Cella 1997 292,461 283,697 16,000 19,852 Executive Vice President, 1996 279,000 -- 16,000 7,871 International Division 1995 266,000 -- 11,250 4,800 Carl D. Donaway 1997 292,461 339,255 16,000 19,852 President and Chief 1996 269,846 -- 16,000 7,663 Executive Officer, 1995 236,004 -- 9,340 4,800 ABX Air, Inc.
- -------- /1/The named executive officers are paid their annual base salary on a biweekly basis. Total salary paid in different calendar years may vary depending on the number of pay periods that fall in each year. The specific amounts shown here reflect the fact that 1998 had one more pay period than 1997 or 1996. /2/Amounts awarded under the Executive Incentive Compensation Plan or the Executive Group Incentive Compensation Plan. /2/ /3/Number of shares of Common Stock underlying options awarded under the 1998 Airborne Freight Corporation Key Employee Stock Option and Stock Appreciation Rights Plan. /3/ /4/A portion of the amounts shown as All Other Compensation for 19971998 represents contributions by the Company to the accounts of the named executive officers under the Company's defined contribution plan, including 401 (k) matching contributions ($11,7648,277 for Mr. Brazier, $9,957 for Mr. Cline, $11,516 for Messrs. Freudenberger and $15,089Van Bruwaene and $11,637 for each of the other named executive officers). The balance of the amounts shown in this column for 19971998 represents premiums paid on term life insurance for the named executive officers. 98 OPTION GRANTS IN 1997Option Grants in 1998 The following table shows information concerning stock options granted to the named executive officers during calendar year 19971998 under the Airborne Freight Corporation 1998 Key Employee Stock Option and Stock Appreciation Rights Plan:
INDIVIDUAL GRANTSIndividual Grants Potential Realizable ---------------------------------------------- POTENTIAL REALIZABLE VALUE AT ASSUMED NUMBER PERCENT OF ANNUAL RATES OF OF TOTAL STOCK PRICE SECURITIES OPTIONS APPRECIATION FOR UNDERLYING GRANTED TO EXERCISE OPTION TERM/2/ OPTIONS EMPLOYEES IN PRICE EXPIRATIONValue at Assumed Number Percent of Annual Rates of of Total Stock Price Securities Options Appreciation for Underlying Granted to Exercise Option Term/4/ Options Employees in Price Expiration --------------------- NAME GRANTED/1/ FISCAL YEAR (PER SHARE) DATEName Granted/3/ Fiscal Year (per share) Date 5% 10% - ---- ---------- ------------ ----------- ---------- --------- --------------------- ---------- Robert S. Cline 56,000 13.07% $13.625 94,000/1/ 12.46% $31.063 1/1/08 $1,836,294 $4,653,529 56,000/2/4/07 $ 479,847 $ 1,216,025 7.42% $36.970 2/3/08 1,302,013 3,299,557 Robert G. Brazier 38,000 8.87% $13.625 54,000/1/ 7.16% $31.063 1/1/08 1,054,892 2,673,304 38,000/2/4/07 325,610 825,160 5.04% $36.970 2/3/08 883,509 2,238,985 John J. Cella 24,000/1/ 3.18% $31.063 1/1/08 468,841 1,188,135 16,000/2/ 2.12% $36.970 2/3/08 372,004 942,731 Carl D. Donaway 24,000/1/ 3.18% $31.063 1/1/08 468,841 1,188,135 16,000/2/ 2.12% $36.970 2/3/08 372,004 942,731 Kent W. Freudenberger 24,000/1/ 3.18% $31.063 1/1/08 468,841 1,188,135 16,000/2/ 2.12% $36.970 2/3/08 372,004 942,731 Roy C. Liljebeck 16,000 3.73% $13.625 24,000/1/ 3.18% $31.063 1/1/08 468,841 1,188,135 16,000/2/4/07 137,099 347,436 2.12% $36.970 2/3/08 372,004 942,731 Raymond Van Bruwaene 16,000 3.73% $13.625 24,000/1/ 3.18% $31.063 1/1/08 468,841 1,188,135 16,000/2/4/07 137,099 347,436 Kent W. Freudenberger 16,000 3.73% $13.625 2.12% $36.970 2/4/07 137,099 347,436 John J. Cella 16,000 3.73% $13.625 2/4/07 137,099 347,436 Carl D. Donaway 16,000 3.73% $13.625 2/4/07 137,099 347,4363/08 372,004 942,731
- -------- /1/ OptionsThese options were granted on January 1, 1998 and will vest in four equal installments based upon attainment of specified stock price increases over the exercise price, which was the fair market value of the Company's Common Stock on the date of grant. If the stock price equals or exceeds an installment target for 10 of 20 consecutive trading days, the named executive officersinstallment vests. If the stock price target is not achieved, that installment lapses. However, the Board may elect to vest an installment, even if the stock price target is not met, if the Company's stock price performance equals or exceeds the 75th percentile of the Dow Jones Transportation Index during the installment period. The installment targets and deadlines are as follows:
Stock Price Targets ------------------------------------ Deadline for % Increase Price Attainment ---------- ------- --------------- 20% $37.275* January 1, 2000 30% $40.381* January 1, 2001 40% $43.488 January 1, 2002 50% $46.594 January 1, 2003
-------- * These stock price targets were achieved in 1998. /2/These options were granted on February 4, 1997. Fifty percent of the options3, 1998 and will become exercisable in four equal installments on February 4,3, 1999, February 3, 2000, February 3, 2001, and the remaining options will become exercisable on February 4, 2000, subject to certain contractual provisions that will apply in the event of a change in control (see Employment Contracts).3, 2002. The exercise price of the options was the fair market value of the Company's Common Stock on the date of grant. /2/ /3/Exercise provisions are subject to contractual agreement that will apply in the event of a change in control (see Employment Contracts). /4/Based upon the $13.625$31.063 and $36.97 per share market price, on the daterespective dates of grant and assumed appreciation over the term of the options at the respective annual rates of stock appreciation shown. The named executive officers will realize no value from these options if the stock price does not increase following their grant. 109 AGGREGATE OPTION EXERCISES IN 1997 AND YEAR-END OPTION VALUESAggregate Option Exercises in 1998 and Year-End Option Values The following table shows information concerning stock options exercised during calendar year 19971998 by the named executive officers and the value of unexercised options at the end of that year:
NUMBER OF SECURITIES UNDERLYING UNEXERCISED VALUE OF UNEXERCISED OPTIONS AT FISCAL YEAR- IN-THE-MONEY OPTIONS SHARES END AT FISCAL YEAR-END/Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Value of Unexercised Options at Fiscal Year- In-the-Money Options Shares End at Fiscal Year-End/2/ ACQUIRED VALUEAcquired Value ------------------------- ------------------------- NAME ON EXERCISE REALIZED/Name on Exercise Realized/1/ EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLEExercisable Unexercisable Exercisable Unexercisable - ---- ----------- ----------- ----------- ------------- ----------- ------------- Robert S. Cline 24,392 $534,337 231,298 127,400 $4,862,439 $2,288,30032,068 $ 880,869 289,630 187,000 $6,226,752 $2,137,250 Robert G. Brazier -- -- 234,650 89,300 5,167,206 1,608,35062,000 1,945,250 231,950 122,000 5,208,994 1,425,813 John J. Cella 46,144 883,135 20,066 52,000 230,891 603,500 Carl D. Donaway 1,000 31,609 27,130 52,000 431,946 603,500 Kent W. Freudenberger 2,974 52,417 63,236 52,000 1,204,905 603,500 Roy C. Liljebeck 18,520 486,150 71,366 37,624 1,339,058 677,668-- -- 96,990 52,000 2,078,176 603,500 Raymond T. Van Bruwaene 49,300 888,132 40,586 37,624 693,480 677,668 Kent W. Freudenberger 49,300 892,067 40,586 37,624 693,480 677,668 John J. Cella 30,780 555,869 40,586 37,624 693,480 677,668 Carl D. Donaway 30,180 346,421 3,460 36,670 88,481 659,06534,367 714,220 31,843 52,000 511,965 603,500
- -------- /1/Represents the aggregate fair market value, on the respective dates of exercise, of the shares of Common Stock received on exercise of options, less the aggregate exercise price of the options. /2/Represents the aggregate fair market value on December 31, 19971998 (based on the closing price of $31.063$36.063 for the Company's Common Stock on the New York Stock Exchange on that date), of the shares of Common Stock subject to outstanding options, less the aggregate exercise price of the options. 1110 COMPARATIVE PERFORMANCE GRAPHComparative Performance Graph Set forth below is a graph comparing the cumulative total shareholder return on the Company's Common Stock with the cumulative total return of the Standard & Poor's Composite-500 Stock Index and the Standard & Poor's Transportation Index for the five-year period ended December 31, 1997. COMPARISON OF FIVE-YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN/1998. Comparison of Five-Year Cumulative Total Return/1/ AMONG AIRBORNE FREIGHT CORPORATION COMMON STOCK, THEAmong Airborne Freight Corporation Common Stock, the S&P COMPOSITE-500 INDEX, AND THEComposite--500 Index, and the S&P TRANSPORTATION INDEXTransportation Index PERFORMANCE GRAPH APPEARS HERE
AIRBORNE S&P S&P Measurement Period FREIGHT COMPOSITE-COMPOSITE TRANSPORTATION (Fiscal Year Covered) CORPORATION 500 INDEX INDEX - --------------------- --------------- --------- ---------- -------------- Measurement Pt-12/31/1992 $100.00 $100.00 $100.00 FYE 12/31/1993 $190.00 $110.00 $119.00$100 $100 $100 FYE 12/31/1994 $113.00 $112.00 $100.00$ 59 $101 $ 84 FYE 12/31/1995 $148.00 $153.00 $139.00$ 78 $139 $117 FYE 12/31/1996 $132.00 $189.00 $159.00$ 69 $171 $134 FYE 12/31/1997 $351.00 $252.00 $206.00$185 $229 $173 FYE 12/31/1998 $215 $294 $170
- -------- /1/The total return on the Company's Common Stock and each index assumes the value of each investment was $100 on December 31, 19921993 and that all dividends were reinvested. COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATIONCompensation Committee Report on Executive Compensation The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors has furnished the following report on executive compensation: It is the responsibility of the Compensation Committee to set policies governing compensation of the Company's executive officers and to make recommendations to the Board as appropriate. These policies cover base salaries, incentive compensation, stock options, and any other forms of remuneration. In addition, the Committee evaluates performance of management, considers management succession, and deals with other personnel matters related to senior management. 11 The Company has designed pay programs for executive officers that provide a strong link between the Company's performance and executive compensation. Each component of executive 12 pay is weighted and valued so that, in total, highly talented executives can be attracted, retained and motivated to consistently improve the financial performance of the Company. TheEach year, the Committee periodically reviews the total compensation of the Chief Executive Officer and the other executive officers. The Committee also monitors general compensation practices of all other officers of the Company and its subsidiaries. The CompensationTo assist in these duties, the Committee may retainperiodically retains the services of a qualified compensation consulting firm to assist in the performance of these duties. The role of such a consulting firm is to provide information to the Committee with respect toon the competitiveness of compensation paid to executive officers of the Company compared to that of other companies of similar size and scope. A consulting firm was retained to obtain such information in 1997.1997 and 1998. The firm reviewed compensation paid by comparison companies engaged in national transportation and general industry, which were selected without regard to whether they are included in the S & P Transportation Index. Annual revenues of the comparison companies were approximately $2.7 billion. The firm provided data on cash compensation paid by comparison companies selected from general industry, transportation, andwhich indicated that the Northwest United States. Annual revenuesCompany's cash compensation is generally competitive. In addition, the firm determined that the number of stock options the comparison companies were approximately $2.5 billion. They were selected without regardCompany historically granted to whether they are included inexecutive officers was significantly below the S&P Transportation Index.level of option grants by comparable companies. Executive officers have the potential to receive annual incentive awards under the Company's Executive Incentive Compensation Plan (the "EICP") (Chief Executive Officer and President) and the Executive Group Incentive Compensation Plan (the "EGICP") (remaining executive officers). The committeeCommittee considers how the mix of base salaries and awards under the EICP and EGICP compares to the median compensation level of the comparison companies, but does not target such compensation at, above, or below the median level. The Company believes that total cash compensation potentially available to Company executive officers is competitive and provides the incentive necessary to motivate them to meet or exceed goals set by the Board. In 1997,1998, executive officers earned cash compensation through a combination of base salaries and incentive awards. TheAs of July 1998, the Chief Executive Officer's base salary was increased to $555,000 as of July, 1997. The$583,000 and the base salaries of other executive officers also were raised at that time.raised. Base salaries were raised to keep compensation competitive with those of comparison companies.companies and in recognition of the performance and responsibilities of the executive officers. In connection with the EICP and EGICP, the Committee approved an annual operating plan at the beginning of 19971998 that established targets for pre-tax net profits and revenue growth. 19971998 payouts under the EICP were based on a weighting of 75% to pre-tax net profits and 25% to revenue growth. EGICP payouts were weighted 63.75% to net profit, 21.25% to revenue growth, and 15% to individual objectives for the Chief Financial Officer and 52.5% to net profit, 17.5% to revenue growth, and 30% to individual objectives for the remaining executive officers. 13 EICP and EGICP payouts are calculated as a percentage of base salary. The threshold for awards is attainment of 80% of the targets and the maximum payout is available at 150% target attainment. However, regardless of revenue growth and individual objectives, no awards are made 12 unless the Company earns at least 80% of the targeted level of pre-tax net profit. The payout percentages for the executive officers are as follows:
PERCENTAGE OF BASE SALARYPercentage of Base Salary ------------------------ THRESHOLD TARGET MAXIMUMThreshold Target Maximum --------- ------ ------- Chief Executive Officer 30% 80% 160% Chief Operating Officer 30% 70% 140% Other Executive Officers 25% 60% 120%
TheIn 1998 the Company exceeded maximumtarget attainment for pre-tax net profits andbut did not achieve the threshold for revenue growth in 1997 and, accordingly, maximumgrowth. Accordingly, reduced incentive awards were paid under the EICP and above target awards were paid under the EGICP. During each fiscal year, theThe Committee considers the desirability of granting longer-term incentive awards to the Company's officers, including the executive officers, under the Airborne Key Employee Stock Option and Stock Appreciation Rights Plan.Company's stock option program. In 1997,1998, two separate stock optionsoption grants were grantedmade to each of the executive officers at an exerciseofficers. The first was a special grant of non- qualified stock options. These options will vest in four equal installments based upon attainment of specified stock price equal toincreases over the fair market value ofgrant price. If the stock price target is not achieved by the deadline, the installment lapses unless the Company's stock onprice performance equals or exceeds the date75th percentile of grant.the Dow Jones Transportation Index during the installment period and the Board elects to vest the installment. The second grant followed historical practices. In deciding the number of options to grant, the Committee considered the anticipated value of the options, the number of options outstanding or previously granted to the executives, and the aggregate number of grants to all employees of the Company. All stock options were granted at an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the Company's stock on the date of grant. The Committee believes that these awards will have the desired effect of focusing the Company's senior management on building consistent profitability and shareholder value, since the awards directly ally the interests of management with an increase in the market price of the Company stock. The Committee did not grant any stock appreciation rights. Under Federal income tax rules, the deduction for certain types of compensation paid to the Chief Executive Officer and four other most highly compensated officers of publicly held companies is limited to $1 million per employee. In certain circumstances, performance based compensation is exempt from the $1 million limit. The Committee believes all compensation earned by such employees in 19981999 will be deductible. Richard M. Rosenberg, Chairman James H. Carey Harold M. Messmer, Jr. COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATIONCompensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation The Compensation Committee is currently composed of Mr. Rosenberg, Chairman, Mr. Carey and Mr. Messmer. Mr. Rosenberg is a director of BankAmerica Corporation, the parent of Bank of America National Trust and Savings Association and NationsBank N.A., which conductsconduct business 13 as Bank of America, NationsBank, and Seafirst Bank. The Company has various demand deposit accounts, and participates in one or more credit agreements, with each of Bank of America, NationsBank, and Seafirst Bank. 14 RETIREMENT PLANSRetirement Plans The Company maintains two qualified retirement plans that cover the named executive officers and all other employees (other than certain union employees) who satisfy certain eligibility requirements relating to minimum age, length of service and hours worked. One of the plans is a defined contribution plan and the other is a defined benefit pension plan. The Company also maintains a nonqualified supplemental plan for its officers, including the named executive officers. DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PLAN.Defined Contribution Plan. The Company's defined contribution plan includes a profit sharing plan that provides for an annual discretionary contribution which, pursuant to resolutions of the board, is currently equal to 7% of pre- tax profits up to a predetermined level, plus 14% of pre-tax profits in excess of that level. Each participant's account under the plan is credited with a portion of such contribution based on the ratio of his or her salary to the total salaries of all participating employees. At retirement, a participant's targeted annual pension benefit under the Company's defined benefit pension plan will be offset based on the amount in the participant's profit sharing account (see Defined Benefit Pension Plan). The defined contribution plan also includes a voluntary 401(k) salary deferral plan. DEFINED BENEFIT PENSION PLAN.Defined Benefit Pension Plan. Subject to the offset described below and statutory limits on benefits that may be provided under such a plan, the defined benefit pension plan provides each participant with a targeted annual pension benefit at retirement equal to (i) the number of years of service of a participant (up to a maximum of 25 years), times (ii) the sum of 1.6% of the participant's final average earnings up to the average covered Social Security earnings level, plus 2% of the portion of the final average earnings that exceeds that level. A participant's benefit under the Company's defined benefit pension plan is subject to an offset based on the amount in his or her profit sharing account under the defined contribution plan. This is done as follows: At retirement, the Company calculates how much of a participant's targeted annual pension benefit can be provided by the amount that has accumulated in his or her profit sharing plan account. This calculation is based on an interest rate factor as described in the pension plan. The defined benefit pension plan then provides the portion of the targeted annual pension benefit, if any, that the amount in the profit sharing account is insufficient to provide. SUPPLEMENTAL PLAN.Supplemental Plan. The Company also maintains a Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (the "SERP") for the benefit of officers of the Company and its eligible subsidiaries. The SERP is a nonqualified plan that, in conjunction with the Company's qualified retirement plans and Social Security, is designed to provide a retirement benefit equal to approximately 65% of an officer's final average earnings (the SERP also provides for benefit payments upon the occurrence of other events, including in certain cases a change in control of the Company). The benefit accrues in equal annual increments over a period of 15 years. The SERP provides for normal retirement at or after age 62; however, the benefits will be subject to offset based on retirement benefits the officer will receive under the Company's qualified retirement plans and Social Security (the offset is calculated based on normal retirement at age 65) and under the retirement plans of 14 any prior employer. The SERP is unfunded, although the Company maintains commingled investment fund assets and insurance on the lives of certain officers that could be used to fund eventual benefit payments. 15 The following table sets forth the targeted annual pension benefits (calculated on the basis of a straight life annuity) payable upon retirement at age 65 to the Company's officers (including the named executive officers) based on specified years of service and levels of compensation. The amounts shown take into account Social Security offsets based on the career average Social Security wage base in effect in 1997.1998. The amounts shown do not reflect any offsets that may apply in individual cases on account of benefits under the retirement plans of an officer's prior employer. PENSION PLAN TABLEPension Plan Table
YEARS OF SERVICEYears of Service -------------------------------------------------------------- REMUNERATIONRemuneration 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 - ------------ -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- $ 200,000 $ 27,42127,229 $ 70,755 $114,088 $114,088 $114,088 $114,088 $114,08870,563 $113,896 $113,896 $113,896 $113,896 $113,896 300,000 49,088 114,088 179,088 179,088 179,088 179,088 179,08848,896 113,896 178,896 178,896 178,896 178,896 178,896 400,000 70,755 157,421 244,088 244,088 244,088 244,088 244,08870,563 157,229 243,896 243,896 243,896 243,896 243,896 500,000 92,421 200,755 309,088 309,088 309,088 309,088 309,08892,229 200,563 308,896 308,896 308,896 308,896 308,896 600,000 114,088 244,088 374,088 374,088 374,088 374,088 374,088113,896 243,896 373,896 373,896 373,896 373,896 373,896 700,000 135,755 287,421 439,088 439,088 439,088 439,088 439,088135,563 287,229 438,896 438,896 438,896 438,896 438,896 800,000 157,421 330,755 504,088 504,088 504,088 504,088 504,088157,229 330,563 503,896 503,896 503,896 503,896 503,896 900,000 179,088 374,088 569,088 569,088 569,088 569,088 569,088178,896 373,896 568,896 568,896 568,896 568,896 568,896 1,000,000 200,755 417,421 634,088 634,088 634,088 634,088 634,088200,563 417,229 633,896 633,896 633,896 633,896 633,896
Remuneration is calculated based on average annual compensation in the five highest consecutive years of the ten years prior to retirement. Based on compensation through December 31, 1997,1998, the final average earnings of the named executive officers were as follows: Mr. Cline, $580,580;$773,815; Mr. Brazier, $499,713;$646,524; Mr. Van Bruwaene, $385,712; Mr. Liljebeck, $382,787; Mr. Freudenberger, $380,448; Mr. Cella, $372,259 and Mr. Donaway, $264,486; and Messrs. Liljebeck, Van Bruwaene, Freudenberger, and Cella, $301,607.$357,055. All of the named executive officers have accrued at least 20 years of service. EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTSEmployment Contracts Each of the named executive officers is elected annually and serves at the pleasure of the Board, subject, however, to agreements with the Company that generally assure that, in the event of a change in control of the Company, all of the officers will have the right to remain employed, at not less than the respective rates of compensation in effect as of the date of the change in control, for at least three years thereafter. The agreements with the named executive officers generally provide that, if an officer is terminated without "cause" (defined as willful and continued failure to perform duties after demand from the Board, or willful and gross misconduct) within three years after a change in control, the Company must pay the officer, in addition to all accrued compensation, the equivalent of three- years' salary, bonus and other benefits. Also under the agreements, an officer terminated after a change in control may elect to receive cash equal to the difference between the exercise price of all stock options held by the officer (whether or not then exercisable) and the market value of the stock on the date of termination, or the highest price per share actually paid in connection with any change in control of the Company, whichever is higher. In the absence of 15 this provision, under the Company's stock option plans, an employee terminated other than for cause has three months to exercise any options exercisable on the date of termination but any 16 options not then exercisable are canceled. The 1994 Airborne Freight Corporation 1998 Key Employee Stock Option and Stock Appreciation Rights Plan provides that all outstanding options become exercisable upon retirement and expire 18 monthsthree years after the date of retirement unless their terms expire sooner. The Company is required to provide the same additional compensation and benefits described above in the event a named executive officer resigns due to failure of the Company, after a change in control, to provide the salary, other specific benefits and terms of employment required by the agreement. In return for the benefits under the agreements described above, each of the named executive officers has agreed, among other things, not to serve as an executive officer, director or consultant to any competitor of the Company for at least one year after termination of employment with the Company. While these contracts were designed to encourage these officers to stay with the Company, and not to deter changes in control, it is possible that a party wishing to obtain control of the Company with the intention of replacing incumbent management could be influenced by the additional cost that the Company would incur under these contracts. PROPOSAL TO APPROVE AMENDMENT TO RESTATED CERTIFICATE2 SHAREHOLDER PROPOSAL ON ANNUAL ELECTION OF INCORPORATION TO INCREASE THE NUMBERENTIRE BOARD OF AUTHORIZED SHARESDIRECTORS John Chevedden, 2215 Nelson Ave. #205, Redondo Beach, CA 90278, owner of 200 shares, submitted this proposal. In accordance with applicable proxy regulations, the proposed resolution and supporting statement, for which the Board of Directors and the Company accept no responsibility, are set forth below. Shareholder Resolution RESOLVED: ELECT THE ENTIRE BOARD OF COMMON STOCKDIRECTORS EACH YEAR. Airborne shareholders request the Board of Directors to take all necessary steps to enact this resolution today. This includes the requirement that less frequent than annual election of all directors can be made only by a majority shareholder vote as a separate issue (not bundled together with other issues). Proponent's Supporting Statement It is intuitive that directors, accountable through annual election, perform better. The Restated Certificatecurrent piecemeal director election gives Airborne directors 3 years of Incorporationisolation from the impact of their performance. What incentive is there for good corporate governance--highlighted by annual election of all directors? Fifty institutional shareholders, managing $840 million, told McKinsey & Co. they would pay an 11% average premium for a company with good governance practices. Why the big jump? Some investors said good governance will boost performance. Others felt good governance decreases the risk of bad news--and when trouble occurs, they rebound faster. (Business Week, Sept. 15, 1997) 16 Good corporate governance can counter-balance recent events: Airborne stock price dipped 50% since June. (Value Line, Sept. 18, 1998) We expect a negative comparison with 1997's 3rd quarter. There is concern at Airborne unless cost improvements continue. (Value Line, Sept. 18, 1998) Earnings per share restrained by absence of 50-cent per share gain from 1997's UPS strike. (Standard & Poor, Aug. 15, 1998) The 1997 stock option plan had a high 22% potential stock dilution. This dilution is more than double that of similar companies. (Investor Responsibility Research Center, March 1997) Airborne pilots stage Wall Street protest. The union said management pressures pilots to fly when pilots say it is not safe. (Reuters, Nov. 19, 1998) Airborne pilots will limit overtime to protest pilot's dismissal for not making an unsafe flight. (Reuters, Nov. 9, 1998) Safety is particularly sensitive after six Airborne employees are killed in a test flight crash. (Reuters, Oct. 30, 1998) Only 33% of the Company currently authorizes an aggregateAirborne board is independent. The overwhelming 66% of 66,000,000 shares of capital stock, consisting of 6,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock (without par value) and 60,000,000 shares of Common Stock (par value $1.00). The proposed amendmentdirectors are not independent through additional links to Airborne, long Airborne tenure, or over-commitments elsewhere. For example: Brazier--Employee. Cline--Employee plus 5 board seats. Brimmer--Demanding full time job plus 6 board seats. Kim--Demanding full time job plus 6 board seats. Rosenberg--Rosenberg is a director for Airborne's banker. Rosenberg heads the committee that decides CEO pay. Carey--21-year director term. Additional changes can make Airborne Freight more competitive in corporate governance. For instance: 1. Appoint independent directors to the Restated Certificatekey Audit, Compensation, and Nomination committees. . Institutional Shareholder Services, Bethesda, MD (www.cda.com/iss) recommends independent directors on key board committees. 2. "To allow fresh ideas" the National Association of Incorporation would increaseCorporate Directors guidelines said: Consider 10-15 years limit on director service. 3. Adopt ratification of auditors by shareholders. 4. Adopt a secret ballot. The best boards continue to raise the numberbar, said Business Week. Place the entire board up for election every year. YES ON 2 17 BOARD OF DIRECTORS' RECOMMENDATION--THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT THE SHAREHOLDERS VOTE AGAINST PROPOSAL 2 The Board believes the claims in the supporting statement are largely irrelevant to the issue of authorized shareshow frequently directors should stand for election. In the opinion of Common Stockthe Board, directors of a classified board are just as accountable to 120,000,000 thus bringingshareholders as those on a board elected annually. Under the total numberCompany's Bylaws, the Board is divided into three classes with directors elected to staggered three-year terms. The shareholders have the opportunity annually to vote against one-third of authorized sharesthe directors as a way of capital stockexpressing any dissatisfaction with the Board or management. The entire Board can be replaced in the course of three annual meetings, all held within approximately two years. The Board disagrees with any suggestion that the timing of elections affects its attention to the issues facing the Company. The classified board also ensures continuity in the composition and long- range planning of the Board. A classified board ensures that a majority of the Board will have prior experience as directors of the Company. This enables the directors to build on past experience and plan for a reasonable period in the future. The Board also believes that a classified board reduces the ability of a third party to effect a sudden, unsolicited change in the Company's direction. It allows the Board to fulfill its duties to the shareholders by providing an opportunity to negotiate with the proponent of change, consider alternatives and seek the best results for all classes to 126,000,000. The additional sharesshareholders. Approval of Common Stock for which authorization is soughtthis proposal would be a part ofrequire the existing class of Common Stock and, if and when issued, would have the same rights and privileges as the currently outstanding shares of Common Stock. This increase would be accomplished by amending Section 4.1 of Article Fourth of the Restated Certificate of Incorporation to read as follows: FOURTH 4.1 The total number of shares of all classes of capital stock which the Corporation shall have authority to issue is one hundred twenty-six million (126,000,000), of which six million (6,000,000) shares shall be Preferred Stock without par value, issuable in one or more series, and one hundred twenty million (120,000,000) shares shall be Common Stock, par value One Dollar ($1.00) per share, amounting in the aggregate to One Hundred Twenty Million Dollars ($120,000,000). To become effective, the amendment must be approved by the holdersaffirmative vote of a majority of the company's outstanding shares of Common Stock. The increase would make additional shares of Common Stock available for issuance for such purposes as the Board may determine to be advantageous, including the raising of additional capital, future employee benefit plans, acquisitions and possible stock dividends and stock splits. Except with respect to shares reserved for stock option plans, as of the date of this Proxy Statement the Board does not have any agreements, commitments or plans with respect to the 17 issuance of any additional shares of Common Stock. The proposal to increase the number of authorized shares of Common Stock was approved by the Board of Directors at its meeting on October 28, 1997 and is not being recommended in response to any specific effort of which the Company is aware to obtain control of or acquire the Company. PROPOSAL FOR ADOPTION OF AIRBORNE FREIGHT CORPORATION 1998 KEY EMPLOYEE STOCK OPTION PLAN GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF PLAN The Board of Directors, by resolution at its meeting on October 28, 1997, recommended for shareholder approval the Airborne Freight Corporation 1998 Key Employee Stock Option Plan (the "1998 Plan"). In order to become effective, the 1998 Plan must be approved by a majority of the Company's outstanding shares of Common Stock represented in person or by proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote onvote. However, approval of the proposal. The closing market priceproposal would not automatically eliminate the classified board, as this proposal is only a recommendation. Eliminating the classified board would require action by the Board to amend Article IV, Section 1 of the Company's Common Stock on February 23, 1998 was $38.1875 per share. If the 1998 Plan is approved by shareholders, the 1994 Airborne Key Employee Stock Option and Stock Appreciation Rights Plan (the "1994 Plan") will be suspended, so that no additional options or awards will be granted under the 1994 Plan. The following is a summary of the 1998 Plan. For more precise information, see the Airborne Freight Corporation 1998 Key Employee Stock Option Plan,Bylaws, which is included as an addendum to this Proxy Statement. The purpose of the 1998 Plan is to provide a method by which selected individuals performing service for the Company may be offered an opportunity to invest in capital stock of the Company, thereby increasing their personal interest in the growth and success of the Company. The 1998 Plan is administered, and participants in the 1998 Plan are selected, by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. The 1998 Plan provides for the granting of stock options over the next ten years to officers and other key employees. Options granted under the 1998 Plan can be either nonqualified stock options or options meeting the requirements of incentive stock options under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Internal Revenue Code"). The aggregate number of shares subject to grants in a calendar year may not exceed one and one-half percent (1 1/2%) of the shares of Common Stock of the Company outstanding on December 31 of the prior year. In addition, the number of shares subject to grants of stock options during the entire term of the 1998 Plan cannot exceed 6,000,000 (plus any shares subject to options outstanding under the 1994 Plan on January 1, 1998, to the extent those options terminate without having been exercised in full). The number of shares subject to options granted in any one calendar year to any one individual may not exceed 200,000. The purchase price of stock covered by an option must be no less than the fair market value of the stock on the date the option is granted. The option will become exercisable at such time as the Compensation Committee specifies. No incentive stock option will be exercisable for more than ten years after the option is granted.classified board. THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS A VOTE AGAINST PROPOSAL 2. 18 Options will be subject to adjustments, including in some cases acceleration of vesting, in connection with certain events involving the Company, such as a merger, reorganization or recapitalization, or the acquisition by any person, partnership, or corporation of more than 25% of the outstanding stock of the Company. The 1998 Plan will automatically terminate on December 31, 2007, unless earlier terminated by the Board of Directors, and no option can be granted after termination. If the 1998 Plan is adopted, the Compensation Committee proposes to make use of its discretionary authority under the 1998 Plan as it shall deem to be in the best interests of the Company. It is the present intention to add the proceeds received upon the exercise of options to the general funds of the Company and use them for general corporate purposes. No monetary consideration will be received for the granting of options. JANUARY 1, 1998 GRANT The Compensation Committee has concluded, based on the report of a qualified compensation consulting firm, that the number of stock options the Company has historically granted to executive officers has been significantly below the level of option grants by comparable companies. Accordingly, the Compensation Committee has approved, and the Board of Directors has ratified, the following grants of non-qualified stock options to executives under the 1998 Plan effective January 1, 1998: Robert S. Cline 94,000 options Robert G. Brazier 54,000 options Roy C. Liljebeck 24,000 options Raymond T. Van Bruwaene 24,000 options Kent W. Freudenberger 24,000 options John J. Cella 24,000 options Carl D. Donaway 24,000 options
These options will vest in four equal installments based upon attainment of specified stock price increases over the fair market value grant price of $31.063 on January 1, 1998. If the stock price equals or exceeds an installment target for 10 of 20 consecutive trading days, that installment vests. If the stock price target is not achieved, that installment lapses. However, the Board may elect to vest an installment, even if the stock price target is not met, if the Company's stock price performance equals or exceeds the 75th percentile of the Dow Jones Transportation Index during the installment period. The installment targets and deadlines are:
STOCK PRICE TARGETS -------------------------------------- DEADLINE FOR % INCREASE PRICE ATTAINMENT ---------- ------------ --------------- 20% $ 37.275/1/ January 1, 2000 30% $ 40.381 January 1, 2001 40% $ 43.488 January 1, 2002 50% $ 46.594 January 1, 2003
- -------- /1/ This stock price target was achieved in February 1998. 19 Unvested options lapse upon retirement, death, disability or other termination of employment. Upon retirement, recipients will have 3 years to exercise vested options. If the recipient dies or become disabled prior to retirement, the recipient or estate will have one year to exercise vested options. If shareholder approval of the 1998 Plan is not obtained, these option grants to the executive officers will be void. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES INCENTIVE STOCK OPTIONS. The Company intends that certain of the options granted under the 1998 Plan will qualify as incentive stock options under Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code. Assuming that these options are so qualified, the tax consequences to an optionee will vary depending on whether certain holding period requirements are met. If an optionee acquiring stock pursuant to an incentive stock option does not dispose of such stock until at least one year after the transfer of such stock to the optionee and at least two years from the date of grant of the option, then subject to the alternative minimum tax rules discussed below, there will be no tax consequences to the optionee or the Company when the incentive stock option is granted or when it is exercised. If stock acquired upon exercise of an option is sold by the optionee and, at that time of the sale the holding period requirements described in the preceding paragraph have not been met, the federal income tax consequences to the optionee will be as follows: First the optionee will be required to report on his or her federal income tax return for the year in which the sale occurs, additional compensation income equal to the difference between the fair market value of the stock at the time of exercise of the option and the exercise price at which the stock was acquired (the Company will generally be entitled to a compensation deduction in an equivalent amount). Next, for purposes of determining gain or loss upon disposition of the stock, an amount equal to this compensation income will be added to the exercise price at which the stock was acquired, and the total will be the optionee's adjusted basis of the stock. Gain or loss will be determined based upon the difference between the optionee's adjusted basis of the stock and the net proceeds of the sale, and the optionee will be required to report such gain or loss on his or her federal income tax return for the year in which the sale occurs. If a loss is realized, certain limitations may apply to restrict the immediate deductibility of the loss by the optionee. When a participant exercises an incentive stock option, the difference between the fair market value of the stock on the date of exercise and the exercise price results in an adjustment in computing alternative minimum taxable income for purposes of Section 55 of the Internal Revenue Code, which may trigger alternative minimum tax consequences for the participant. Any alternative minimum tax that is payable may ultimately be credited against future taxes owed. NONQUALIFIED STOCK OPTIONS. The Company may also grant nonqualified stock options under the Plan. In general, there will be no tax consequences to the optionee or the Company when such an option is granted. Upon exercise of such an option, the optionee will be required to report, on his or her federal income tax return for the year in which the exercise occurs, additional compensation income equal to the difference between the fair market value of the stock at the time of exercise of the option and the exercise price at which the stock was acquired (the Company will generally be entitled to a compensation deduction in an equivalent amount). 20 The foregoing summary of the effect of federal income tax consequences does not purport to be complete. In addition, this summary does not discuss the provisions of the income tax laws of any state or foreign country in which a participant may reside. SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE Section 16(a) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, requires that certain of the Company's officers and directors, and persons who own more than ten percent of a registered class of the Company's equity securities, file reports of ownership and changes of ownership with the Securities and Exchange Commission and the New York Stock Exchange. Officers, directors and greater than ten percent shareholders are required by SEC regulation to furnish the Company with copies of all such forms they file. Based solely on its review of the copies of such forms received by the Company, and on written representations by the Company's officers and directors regarding their compliance with the filing requirements, the Company believes that, in 1997,1998, all filing requirements applicable to its officers, directors and greater than ten percent beneficial owners were complied with.with, except that a report on sale of shares of director William Swindells was filed ten days late. SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS The Company's 2000 Annual Meeting of Shareholders is scheduled to be held on April 25, 2000. Proposals of shareholders intended to be presented at the Company's 19992000 Annual Meeting of Shareholders must be received by the Company on or prior to November 30, 1998,13, 1999, to be eligible for inclusion in the Company's Proxy Statement and form of proxy to be used in connection with the 19992000 Annual Meeting. A shareholder of record who intends to submit a proposal at the 2000 Annual Meeting that is not eligible for inclusion in the Proxy Statement, or who intends to submit one or more nominations for directors at the meeting, must provide prior written notice to the Company. The notice should be addressed to the Secretary and received at the Company's principal executive offices not later than January 25, 2000. The written notice must satisfy certain requirements specified in the Company's Bylaws. A copy of the Bylaws will be sent to any shareholder upon written request to the Company's Secretary. OTHER MATTERS Management is not aware at this time that any other matters are to be presented for action at this meeting. If other matters come before the meeting, the persons named in the enclosed proxy form will vote all proxies in accordance with their best judgment unless the shareholder has indicated on the proxy card that the shares represented thereby are not to be voted on such other matters. No action will be required of shareholders regarding reports of officers. IT IS IMPORTANT THAT PROXIES BE RETURNED PROMPTLY AND THAT YOUR SHARES BE REPRESENTED. SHAREHOLDERS ARE URGED TO FILL IN, SIGN AND PROMPTLY RETURN THE ACCOMPANYING FORM OF PROXY IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. March 13, 199812, 1999 Seattle, Washington 21 ADDENDUM TO AIRBORNE FREIGHT CORPORATION PROXY STATEMENT AIRBORNE FREIGHT CORPORATION 1998 KEY EMPLOYEE STOCK OPTION PLAN/1/ ARTICLE 1 PURPOSE The purpose of the 1998 Key Employee Stock Option Plan (the "Plan") is to provide a method by which selected individuals performing services for Airborne Freight Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), and its Affiliates may be offered an opportunity to invest in capital stock of the Company, thereby increasing their personal interest in the growth and success of the Company and its Affiliates. ARTICLE 2 DEFINITIONS Capitalized terms used in the Plan shall have the meanings given those terms in the attached Appendix A or in the section of the Plan referred to therein. ARTICLE 3 ADMINISTRATION 3.1 COMMITTEE. The Plan shall be administered by the Committee. A majority of the members of the Committee shall constitute a quorum and all determinations shall be made by a majority of that quorum. Any determination reduced to writing and signed by all of the members of the Committee shall be as effective as if it had been made by a majority vote at a meeting duly called and held. 3.2 POWERS; REGULATIONS. The Committee shall have full power and authority, subject only to the provisions of the Plan (a) to administer or supervise the administration of the Plan; (b) to interpret the provisions of the Plan and the Option Agreements; (c) to correct any defect, supply any information and reconcile any inconsistency in such manner and to such extent as it determines to be necessary or advisable to carry out the purpose of the Plan; and (d) to take such other actions in connection with the Plan as it determines to be necessary or advisable. The Committee is authorized to adopt, amend and rescind such rules, regulations and procedures not inconsistent with the provisions of the Plan as it determines to be necessary or advisable for the proper administration of the Plan, and each Option shall be subject to all such rules, regulations and procedures (whether the Option was granted before or after promulgation thereof). Without limiting the authority of the Committee to interpret the provisions of the Plan, the Committee shall have the right to determine that a transaction (or series of related transactions) is not a Control Purchase, even though literally included within the definition of that term, if the Committee determines that the transaction (or series of related transactions) does not have the effect of significantly changing or influencing the control of the Company on a permanent basis. - -------- /1/ The provisions of the Plan have been adjusted as necessary to reflect the two-for-one stock split in the form of a stock dividend effected in February 1998. A-1 3.3 LIMITS ON AUTHORITY. Exercise by the Committee of its authority shall be consistent with the intent that all Incentive Stock Options be qualified under the terms of Section 422 of the Code, and that the Plan be administered in a manner so that, to the extent possible, the grant of Options and all other transactions with respect to the Plan, to Options and to any Common Stock acquired upon exercise of Options, shall be exempt from the operation of Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act. 3.4 EXERCISE OF AUTHORITY. Each action and determination made or taken by the Committee (or by the Continuing Directors pursuant to the express authority granted them in the Plan), including but not limited to any interpretation of the Plan and the Option Agreements, shall be final, conclusive and binding for all purposes and upon all persons. No member of the Committee (or Continuing Director) shall be liable for any action or determination made or taken by the member (or Continuing Director) or the Committee in good faith. ARTICLE 4 SHARES SUBJECT TO THE PLAN 4.1 GRANT LIMITS. Subject to the provisions of this Article 4, the maximum number of shares of Common Stock for which Options may be granted during any calendar year during the term of the Plan, from and including 1998 to and including 2007, shall be one and one-half percent (1 1/2%) of the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding on December 31 of the prior calendar year (such maximum number of shares will be referred to as the "Plan Annual Grant Limit"), subject to the following additional limitations: (a) the maximum number of shares of Common Stock for which Options may be granted during the entire term of the Plan shall be the sum of (i) six million (6,000,000) shares, plus (ii) any shares of Common Stock subject to options outstanding on the Effective Date under the 1994 Airborne Key Employee Stock Option and Stock Appreciation Rights Plan, to the extent the options terminate without having been exercised in full (such maximum number of shares will be referred to as the "Overall Grant Limit"); and (b) the maximum number of shares of Common Stock for which Options may be granted to any Eligible Person during any calendar year shall be two hundred thousand (200,000) (such maximum number of shares will be referred to as the "Individual Annual Grant Limit"). Shares of Common Stock will be made available from the authorized but unissued shares of the Company or from shares reacquired by the Company. If an Option terminates for any reason without having been exercised in full, the shares of Common Stock for which the Option has not been exercised shall again be available for purposes of the Plan. 4.2 ADJUSTMENTS. If the Company subdivides its outstanding shares of Common Stock into a greater number of shares (by stock dividend, stock split, reclassification or otherwise) or combines its outstanding shares of Common Stock into a smaller number of shares (by reverse stock split, reclassification or otherwise), or if the Committee determines that any stock dividend, extraordinary cash dividend, reclassification, recapitalization, reorganization, split-up, spin-off, combination, exchange of shares, rights offering, or other transaction or event that is not an A-2 Approved Transaction or Control Purchase affects the Common Stock such that an adjustment is required in order to preserve the benefits or potential benefits intended to be made available under the Plan, then the Committee shall, in such manner as it determines to be equitable and appropriate, adjust any or all of (a) the number of shares of Common Stock (or number and kind of other securities or property) for which, and the time or times when, outstanding Options may thereafter be exercised; (b) the purchase price for the shares (or other securities or property) under outstanding Options; and (c) the number of shares of Common Stock (or number and kind of other securities or property) that will thereafter constitute the Plan Annual Grant Limit, the Overall Grant Limit and the Individual Annual Grant Limit. ARTICLE 5 ELIGIBILITY In order to be eligible to participate in the Plan and to receive an Option, a person (an "Eligible Person") shall be an employee of the Company or one of its Affiliates other than an employee who is a 10% Stockholder. ARTICLE 6 STOCK OPTIONS 6.1 GRANT OF OPTIONS. The Committee shall from time to time determine, subject to the express limitations of the Plan (a) the Eligible Persons to whom Options are to be granted; (b) the number of shares of Common Stock for which the Options are exercisable and the purchase price of such shares; (c) whether the Options are Incentive Stock Options or Nonqualified Stock Options; and (d) all of the other terms and conditions (which need not be identical) of the Options; provided, however, that each Option that by its terms qualifies as an Incentive Stock Option shall be such unless the Committee expressly provides otherwise. 6.2 PURCHASE PRICE. The price at which shares of Common Stock may be purchased upon exercise of an Option shall not be less than the Fair Market Value of the shares on the date the Option is granted. 6.3 LIMITATIONS ON INCENTIVE STOCK OPTIONS. The aggregate Fair Market Value of the shares of Common Stock for which, during any calendar year, one or more Incentive Stock Options under the Plan (and/or one or more options under any other plan maintained by the Company or any of its Affiliates for the granting of options intended to qualify under Section 422 of the Code) become exercisable for the first time by a Holder shall not exceed the ISO Limit (said value to be determined as of the respective dates on which the options are granted to the Holder). If an Option that would otherwise qualify as an Incentive Stock Option becomes exercisable for the first time in any calendar year for shares of Common Stock that would cause such aggregate Fair Market Value to exceed the ISO Limit, then the portion of the Option in respect of such shares shall be deemed to be a Nonqualified Stock Option. A-3 6.4 TERM OF OPTIONS. Subject to the provisions of the Plan with respect to termination of Options upon or following termination of employment, the Committee shall determine the term of each Option, which term shall not be more than ten (10) years from the date of grant in the case of an Incentive Stock Option. 6.5 OPTION AGREEMENT. Each Option shall be evidenced by an agreement (the "Option Agreement") containing the terms and conditions of the Option as determined by the Committee. An Option Agreement may contain (but shall not be required to contain) such terms and conditions as the Committee determines to be necessary or appropriate to ensure that the penalty provisions of Section 4999 of the Code will not apply to any stock received by the Holder from the Company. 6.6 EXERCISE OF OPTIONS. (a) TIME EXERCISABLE. An Option shall become and remain exercisable to the extent provided in its Option Agreement and in the Plan. After an Option is granted, the Committee may accelerate the time or times at which the Option may be exercised. (b) MANNER OF EXERCISE. An Option shall be exercised by written notice to the Company in compliance with the terms and conditions of its Option Agreement and such procedures for exercise of Options as the Committee may adopt from time to time. The method or methods of payment of the purchase price of the shares to be purchased upon exercise of the Option shall be determined by the Committee and set forth in its Option Agreement. Unless the Committee expressly provides otherwise, such purchase price shall be paid by (i) check, (ii) delivery of whole shares of Common Stock that are owned by the Holder and have been outstanding for at least six (6) months, or (iii) delivery, together with a properly executed exercise notice, of irrevocable instructions to a broker to deliver promptly to the Company the amount of sale or loan proceeds required to pay the purchase price. The minimum number of shares of Common Stock for which an Option must be exercised shall be one hundred (100) (or, if less, the full number of shares for which it is exercisable). (c) VALUE OF SHARES. Shares of Common Stock delivered in payment of all or any part of the purchase price payable upon exercise of an Option shall be valued at their Fair Market Value on the exercise date of the Option. (d) ISSUANCE OF SHARES. The Company shall issue the shares of Common Stock purchased under an Option as soon as practicable after the Option has been duly exercised; provided, however, that no fractional shares shall be issuable under the Plan, and any fractional shares that would otherwise be issuable shall be disregarded. Following exercise of an Incentive Stock Option, the Committee shall cause the information statement required by Section 6039 of the Code to be furnished to the Holder within the time and in the manner prescribed by law. 6.7 LEGENDS. Each certificate representing shares of Common Stock issued upon exercise of an Option shall contain any legends that the Committee determines to be necessary or appropriate. The Company may cause the transfer agent for the Common Stock to place a stop transfer order with respect to such shares. A-4 6.8 NONTRANSFERABILITY. Unless the Committee determines otherwise at the time an Option is granted (or at any later time when the Committee, by written notice to the Holder, releases in whole or in part the restrictions under this Section 6.8), an Option shall not be transferable other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution and may be exercised during the lifetime of the Holder thereof only by the Holder (or his or her court appointed legal representative). ARTICLE 7 GENERAL PROVISIONS The provisions of this Article 7 shall apply to all Options, except to the extent that one or more Option Agreements expressly provide otherwise. 7.1 TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT. (a) IN GENERAL. If a Holder's employment with the Company or one of its Affiliates terminates prior to the full exercise of an Option for any reason other than death, Disability, Retirement or Cause, then the Option shall thereafter be exercisable, to the extent the Holder was entitled to exercise the Option on the date of such termination, for a period of three (3) months following such termination (but not later than the end of the term of the Option), at which time the Option shall terminate. (b) RETIREMENT. If a Holder's employment with the Company or one of its Affiliates terminates prior to the full exercise of an Option on account of Retirement, then the Option shall (i) automatically become exercisable for all of the shares under the Option, and (ii) thereafter be exercisable for a period of three (3) years following such termination (but not later than the end of the term of the Option or one (1) year following the death of the Holder), at which time the Option shall terminate. (c) DEATH OR DISABILITY. If a Holder's employment with the Company or one of its Affiliates terminates prior to the full exercise of an Option on account of death or Disability, then the Option shall (i) automatically become exercisable for all of the shares under the Option, and (ii) thereafter be exercisable for a period of one (1) year following such termination (but not later than the end of the term of the Option), at which time the Option shall terminate. (d) TERMINATION FOR CAUSE. If a Holder's employment is terminated for Cause, then all Options held by the Holder shall immediately terminate. Following termination of a Holder's employment, if the Holder engages in any act that would have constituted Cause if the Holder had remained employed by the Company or any of its Affiliates, then the Committee shall be entitled to terminate any Options held by the Holder. (e) MISCELLANEOUS. The Committee may determine whether a leave of absence of a Holder constitutes a termination of the Holder's employment; provided, however, that neither (i) a leave of absence, duly authorized in writing by the Company or any of its Affiliates for military service or sickness, or for any other purpose approved by the Company or any of its Affiliates, if the period of the leave does not exceed ninety (90) days, nor (ii) a leave of absence in excess of ninety (90) days, duly authorized in writing by the Company or any of its Affiliates, provided the Holder's A-5 right to return to the employ of the Company or the Affiliate is guaranteed either by statute or by contract, shall be deemed a termination of the Holder's employment. An Option shall not be affected by any change in the Holder's employment so long as the Holder continues to be employed by the Company or any of its Affiliates. If a Holder is employed by an Affiliate of the Company that ceases to be an Affiliate, such event shall, for purposes of any Option held by the Holder, be deemed to constitute a termination of the Holder's employment for a reason other than death, Disability, Retirement or Cause. 7.2 CERTAIN EVENTS. (a) CONTROL PURCHASE. Effective upon a Control Purchase, if the Holder of an Option is employed by the Company or any of its Affiliates at that time, the Option shall automatically become exercisable for all of the shares under the Option. (b) APPROVED TRANSACTION. If an Approved Transaction occurs, the Committee shall have the power to determine what effect, if any, the Approved Transaction shall have upon outstanding Options, including, without limitation the following powers: (i) to cause the Options to be surrendered and canceled and payments to be made to the Holders in exchange therefor; (ii) to accelerate exercisability of the Options; and (iii) to cause adjustments to be made in (A) the number of shares of Common Stock (or number and kind of other securities or property) for which, and the time or times when, outstanding Options may thereafter be exercised, (B) the purchase price for the shares (or other securities or property) under outstanding Options, and (C) the other terms of outstanding Options. 7.3 RIGHT TO TERMINATE EMPLOYMENT. Nothing contained in the Plan or in any Option Agreement, and no action of the Company or the Committee with respect thereto, shall confer on any Holder any right to continue in the employ of the Company or any of its Affiliates or interfere in any way with the right of the Company or any of its Affiliates, subject to the terms and conditions of any agreement between the Holder and the Company or any of its Affiliates, to terminate at any time, with or without Cause, the employment of the Holder. 7.4 NONALIENATION OF BENEFITS. Except as permitted pursuant to Section 6.8, no right or benefit under the Plan or any Option shall be (a) subject to anticipation, alienation, sale, assignment, hypothecation, pledge, exchange, transfer, encumbrance or charge (and any attempt to anticipate, alienate, sell, assign, hypothecate, pledge, exchange, transfer, encumber or charge the same shall be void); or (b) liable for or subject to the debts, contracts, liabilities or torts of the person entitled to the right or benefit. 7.5 TERMINATION AND AMENDMENT (a) TERMINATION. The Plan shall terminate on the tenth (10th) anniversary of the Effective Date; provided, however, that the Board or the Committee may terminate the Plan at any earlier time. No Options may be granted following termination of the Plan, but the provisions of the Plan A-6 shall continue in effect until all Options terminate or are exercised in full and all rights of all persons with any interest in the Plan expire. (b) AMENDMENT OF PLAN. The Board or the Committee may from time to time amend the Plan, whether before of after termination of the Plan, in such respects as it shall deem advisable; provided, however, that any such amendment (i) shall comply with all applicable laws and stock exchange listing requirements, and (ii) with respect to Incentive Stock Options granted or to be granted under the Plan, shall be subject to any approval by stockholders of the Company required under the Code. No amendment of the Plan may adversely affect the rights of the Holder of an Option in any material way unless the Holder consents thereto. 7.6 GOVERNMENT AND OTHER REGULATIONS. The obligation of the Company with respect to Options and the issuance of Common Stock upon the exercise thereof shall be subject to all applicable laws, rules and regulations and such approvals by any governmental agencies as may be required, including but not limited to the effectiveness of any registration statement required under the Securities Act, and the rules and regulations of any securities exchange or over-the-counter market on which the Common Stock may be listed or quoted. The Company shall have no obligation to register shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of Options under the Securities Act or to register, qualify or list such shares under the laws of any state or other jurisdiction or the rules of any securities exchange or over-the-counter market. 7.7 WITHHOLDING. By accepting an Option, the Holder shall be deemed to have agreed to pay, or make arrangements satisfactory to the Committee for payment to the Company of, all taxes required to be withheld by the Company in connection with the exercise of the Option or any sale, transfer or other disposition of any shares of Common Stock acquired upon exercise of the Option. If the Holder shall fail to pay, or make arrangements satisfactory to the Committee for the payment of, all such taxes, then the Company or any of its Affiliates shall, to the extent not prohibited by law, have the right to deduct from any payment of any kind otherwise due to the Holder an amount equal to any taxes of any kind required to be withheld by the Company or any of its Affiliates with respect to the Option. 7.8 SEPARABILITY. With respect to Incentive Stock Options, if the Plan does not contain any provision required to be included herein under Section 422 of the Code, such provision shall be deemed to be incorporated herein with the same force and effect as if such provision had been set out in full herein; provided, however, that to the extent any Option that is intended to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option cannot so qualify, the Option, to that extent, shall be deemed to be a Nonqualified Stock Option for all purposes of the Plan. 7.9 PLAN NOT EXCLUSIVE. Neither the adoption of the Plan by the Board nor any submission of the Plan to the stockholders of the Company for approval shall be construed as creating any limitations on the power of the Board to adopt such other incentive arrangements as it may deem desirable, including but not limited to the granting of stock options and the awarding of stock and cash outside of the Plan, and such arrangements may be either generally applicable or applicable only in specific cases. 7.10 EXCLUSION FROM PENSION AND PROFIT-SHARING COMPUTATION. By accepting an Option, the Holder shall be deemed to have agreed that the Option is special incentive A-7 compensation that will not be taken into account, in any manner, as salary, compensation or bonus in determining the amount of any payment or other benefit under any pension, retirement or other employee benefit plan, program or policy of the Company or any of its Affiliates. 7.11 NO STOCKHOLDER RIGHTS. No Holder or other person shall have any voting or other stockholder rights with respect to shares of Common Stock under an Option until the Option has been duly exercised, full payment of the purchase price has been made, all conditions under the Option and the Plan to issuance of the shares have been satisfied, and a certificate for the shares has been issued. No adjustment shall be made for cash or other dividends or distributions to stockholders for which the record date is before the date of such issuance. 7.12 GOVERNING LAW. The Plan and all Options shall be governed by, and interpreted in accordance with, the laws of the State of Washington. 7.13 COMPANY'S RIGHTS. The grant of Options shall not affect in any way the right or power of the Company to make reclassifications, reorganizations or other changes of or to its capital or business structure or to merge, consolidate, liquidate, sell or otherwise dispose of all or any part of its business or assets. 7.14 EFFECTIVE DATE; APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS. The Plan shall be effective as of January 1, 1998 (the "Effective Date"). Issuance of Options after the Effective Date shall be subject to the approval of the Plan by the stockholders of the Company at the annual meeting of stockholders scheduled to be held on April 28, 1998, or any adjournment thereof. The approval required shall be a majority of the votes cast on the proposal to approve the Plan. No Option shall be exercisable until this approval requirement has been satisfied. If this requirement is not satisfied at such annual meeting, the Plan and any Options granted prior thereto shall automatically be void and of no effect. A-8 APPENDIX A DEFINITIONS "Affiliate" of the Company means any corporation that constitutes a "parent corporation" or a "subsidiary corporation" within the meaning of Section 424 of the Code. "Approved Transaction" means any of the following transactions consummated with the approval, recommendation or authorization of the Board: (a) any merger, consolidation, statutory or contractual share exchange, or other transaction to which the Company or any of its Affiliates or stockholders is a party if, immediately following the transaction, the persons who held Common Stock (or securities convertible into Common Stock) immediately before the transaction hold less than a majority of-- (i) the combined Common Equity of the Company; or (ii) if, pursuant to the transaction, shares of Common Stock are changed or converted into or exchanged for, in whole or part, securities of another corporation or entity, the combined Common Equity of that corporation or entity; without taking into account any person's Common Equity of the Company or the other corporation or entity that is not directly attributable (through continued ownership, amendment, reclassification, conversion or exchange) to the person's holdings of Common Stock (or securities convertible into Common Stock) immediately before the transaction; (b) any liquidation or dissolution of the Company; and (c) any sale, lease, exchange or other transfer not in the ordinary course of business (in one transaction or a series of related transactions) of all, or substantially all, of the assets of the Company. "Board" means the Board of Directors of the Company. "Cause" means, in connection with the termination of the employment of a Holder (a) repeated failures to carry out directions of the Board or the Holder's supervisors with regard to material matters reasonably consistent with the Holder's duties; (b) knowing violation of a state or federal law involving the commission of a crime against the Company or any of its Affiliates or a felony; (c) misuse of controlled substances; (d) any misrepresentation, deception, fraud or dishonesty that is materially injurious to the Company or any of its Affiliates; and (e) any act or omission in willful disregard of the interests of the Company or any of its Affiliates that substantially impairs the goodwill, business or reputation of the Company or any of its Affiliates. "Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time, or any successor statute or statutes thereto. Reference to any specific section of the Code shall include any successor section. "Committee" means the Compensation Committee of the Board. A-9 "Common Equity" means the capital stock of a corporation (or corresponding securities of a noncorporate entity) ordinarily, and apart from rights accruing under special circumstances, having the right to vote in an election for directors (or for members of the governing body of the noncorporate entity). "Common Stock" means the Common Stock, par value $1.00 per share, of the Company. "Company" is defined in Article 1. "Continuing Directors" means the persons who constitute "Continuing Directors," as defined in Section 11.3(g) of the Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, as amended. "Control Purchase" means any transaction (or series of related transactions), consummated without the approval, recommendation or authorization of the Board, in which any person, corporation or other entity (including any "person" as defined in Section 13(d)(3) or Section 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act) purchases any Common Stock (or securities convertible into Common Stock), pursuant to a tender offer or a request or invitation for tenders (as those terms are defined in Section 14(d)(1) of the Exchange Act) or otherwise, and thereafter is the "beneficial owner" (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act) of securities of the Company representing more than twenty-five percent (25%) of the combined Common Equity of the Company. "Disability" means any condition that constitutes "disability" within the meaning of Section 22(e)(3) of the Code. "Effective Date" is defined in Section 7.14. "Eligible Person" is defined in Article 5. "Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended from time to time, or any successor statute or statutes thereto. Reference to any specific section of the Exchange Act shall include any successor section. "Fair Market Value" for the Common Stock (or any other security) on any day means, if the Common Stock (or other security) is publicly traded, the last sales price (or, if no last sales price is reported, the average of the high bid and low asked prices) for a share of Common Stock (or unit of the other security) on that day (or, if that day is not a trading day, on the next preceding trading day), as reported by the principal exchange on which the Common Stock (or other security) is listed, or, if the Common Stock (or other security) is publicly traded but not listed on an exchange, as reported by The Nasdaq Stock Market, or, if such prices or quotations are not reported by The Nasdaq Stock Market, as reported by any other available source of prices or quotations selected by the Committee. If the Common Stock (or other security) is not publicly traded, or if the Fair Market Value is not determinable by any of the foregoing means, the Fair Market Value on any day shall be determined in good faith by the Committee on the basis of such considerations as the Committee determines to be appropriate. A-10 "Holder" means an Eligible Person who has received an Option or, if rights under the Option continue following the death of the Eligible Person or are transferred in a manner permitted by Section 6.8, the person who succeeds to those rights by will or by the laws of descent and distribution or by such transfer. "Incentive Stock Option" means an Option that is an incentive stock option within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code. "Individual Annual Grant Limit" is defined in Section 4.1. "ISO Limit" means $100,000 or such greater or lesser amount as may be specified from time to time in Section 422(d) of the Code. "Nonqualified Stock Option" means an Option that is not an Incentive Stock Option. "Option" means an option with respect to shares of Common Stock awarded pursuant to Article 6. "Option Agreement" is defined in Section 6.5. "Overall Grant Limit" is defined in Section 4.1. "Plan" is defined in Article 1. "Plan Annual Grant Limit" is defined in Section 4.1. "Retirement" means any termination of a Holder's employment other than on account of death, Disability or Cause after the Holder has either (a) attained the age of fifty-five (55) years and accumulated at least twenty (20) years of service with the Company and its Affiliates, or (b) attained the age of sixty (60) years and accumulated at least ten (10) years of service with the Company and its Affiliates. "Securities Act" means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended from time to time, or any successor statute or statutes thereto. Reference to any specific section of the Securities Act shall include any successor section. "10% Stockholder" means a person who owns (or is considered as owning within the meaning of Section 424 of the Code) stock possessing more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of capital stock of the Company. A-1119 AIRBORNE FREIGHT CORPORATION 3101 WESTERN AVENUE, P.O. BOX 662, SEATTLE, WA 98111 P R O X YPROXY THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS The undersigned hereby appoints James. H. Carey, Andrew B. KimRichard M. Rosenberg, William Swindolls and Robert S. Cline as Proxies, each with the power to appoint a substitute, and hereby authorizes them to represent and to vote, in such manner as in their discretion shall be deemed appropriate to carry out the authority as designated below, all the shares of Common Stock of Airborne Freight Corporation (the "Company") held of record by the undersigned on February 23, 1998,22, 1999, at the annual meeting of shareholders to be held April 28, 1998,27, 1999, or any adjournments thereof. THIS PROXY, WHEN PROPERLY EXECUTED, WILL BE VOTED IN THE MANNER DIRECTED HEREIN BY THE UNDERSIGNED SHAREHOLDER. EXCEPT AS OTHERWISE DIRECTED, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED FOR THE ELECTION OF THE NOMINEES NAMED ON THE REVERSE SIDE AND FOR APPROVAL OF THE PROPOSAL TO AMEND THE RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION OF THE COMPANY TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF AUTHORIZED SHARES OF COMMON STOCK FROM 60,000,000 TO 120,000,000 AND THE PROPOSAL TO APPROVE THE AIRBORNE FREIGHT CORPORATION 1998 KEY EMPLOYEE STOCK OPTION PLAN.This proxy, when properly executed, will be voted in the manner directed herein by the undersigned shareholder. Except as otherwise directed, this proxy will be voted for the election of the nominees named on the reverse side and against approval of the shareholder proposal to request the board of directors to take all necessary steps to elect the entire board of directors each year. Continued, and to be signed and dated, on reverse side. AIRBORNE FREIGHT CORPORATION P.O. BOX 11249 NEW YORK, N.Y. 10203-0249 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- . PLEASE DETACH PROXY CARD HERE . - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS - Class ADIRECTORS-Class B (Term to expire 2001)2002) FOR all nominees listed below [_]below. [ ] WITHHOLD AUTHORITY to vote for all nominees listed below [_]below. [ ] EXCEPTIONS [_][ ] Nominees: Robert G. Brazier, James H. Carey, Andrew F. Brimmer, Harold M. Messmer, Jr.B. Kim (INSTRUCTIONS: To withhold authority in vote for any individual nominee, mark the "Exceptions" box and strike out the nominee's name above. If you desire to cumulate your votes for any individual nominee(s), Mary Agnes Wilderotter (INSTRUCTIONS: TO WITHHOLD AUTHORITY TO VOTE FOR ANY INDIVIDUAL NOMINEE, MARK THE "EXCEPTIONS" BOX AND STRIKE OUT THE NOMINEE'S NAME ABOVE. IF YOU DESIRE TO CUMULATE YOUR VOTES FOR ANY INDIVIDUAL NOMINEE(S), WRITE YOUR INSTRUCTION, AS TO NUMBER OF VOTES CAST FOR EACH, ON THE SPACE PROVIDED BELOW. THE TOTAL MUST NOT EXCEED THREE TIMES THE NUMBER OF SHARES YOU HOLD)write your instruction, as to number of votes cast for each, on the space provided below. The total must not exceed three times the number of shares you hold). ____________________________________________________________________________- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2. To approve the shareholder proposal to amendrequest the Restated Certificateboard of Incorporationdirectors to take all necessary steps to elect the entire board of the Company to increase the number of authorized shares of Common Stock from 60,000,000 to 120,000,000.directors each year. FOR [_] AGAINST [_] ABSTAIN [_][ ] [ ] [ ] 3. To approve the Airborne Freight Corporation 1998 Key Employee Stock Option Plan. FOR [_] AGAINST [_] ABSTAIN [_] 4. In their discretion, the Proxies are authorized to vote upon such other business as may properly come before the meeting, or any adjournments thereof. Change of Address and/or Comments Mark Here [_][ ] Please sign as the name appears hereon. When shares are held by joint tenants, both should sign. When signing as an attorney, executor, administrator, trustee, or guardian, please give full title as such. If a corporation, please sign in full corporate name by presidentprincipal or other authorized officer, ifofficer. If partnership, please sign in partnership name by authorized person. Dated:___________________________________, 1998 _______________________________________________ , 1999 -------------------- ------------------------------ Signature _______________________________________________------------------------------ Signature if held jointly VOTES MUST BE INDICATED (X) IN BLACK OR BLUE INK. [X]Please Mark, Sign, Date and Return the Proxy Card Promptly Using the Enclosed Envelope. Votes must be indicated (x) in Black or Blue Ink [ ] - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- . PLEASE MARK, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THE PROXY CARD PROMPTLY USING THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. DETACH HERE . You Must Detach This Portion of the Proxy Card Before Returning it in the Enclosed Envelope