Delta pilots approve new contract with 34% wage increase
Delta Air Lines pilots have ratified a new contract, expected to be a benchmark for contract negotiations at rival airlines, that includes more than $7 billion in cumulative pay and benefit increases over four years, their union said Wednesday.
Both American Airlines and United Airlines have promised their pilots an “industry-leading” contract. As a result, their pilots say any proposal deemed inferior to Delta’s will likely not be accepted.
The new contract calls for a 34% cumulative wage increase, a reduction in health insurance premiums, and improvements in holiday pay, vacation, company 401(k) contributions and work rules. This agreement will cover 15,000 Delta pilots and will take effect Thursday, the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) said.
→ Delta Sky Club opens lounge at Kansas City airport
The new contract highlights the bargaining power enjoyed by pilots at a time when airlines are scrambling to staff up to meet travel demand.
But some airline executives worry that steep pilot pay hikes will inflate fixed costs and make it harder to repair debt-laden balance sheets.
Delta has forecast an impact on its first-quarter profit, as the pilot agreement is expected to increase its operating costs, Reuters reported.
American Airlines said Wednesday that the agreement Delta Air Lines has reached with its pilots “profoundly” changes the economics of the entire airline industry.
Related Topics
LATAM Commits to AeroSHARK: “Sharkskin” Technology to Expand Across Entire Boeing 777 Fleet
Avianca Returns to Venezuela: Bogotá-Caracas Flights to Resume on February 12
LATAM Airlines Soars in 2025: Net Profits Reach US$1.46 billion with Over 87 Million Passengers
Avianca Launches New Seasonal Guatemala-San Francisco Route and Announces Baggage Policy Adjustments for its Most Economical Fare
Plataforma Informativa de Aviación Comercial con 13 años de trayectoria.