CHICAGO- Pilots at United Airlines (UA) have approved a new contract that includes up to 40% pay increases.
This four-year agreement, estimated to be worth around $10 billion during its duration, received the support of 82% of United’s over 16,000 pilots, as reported by the Air Line Pilots Association on Friday. A significant majority of pilots, 97%, participated in the voting process.
United Pilots New Contract
Scott Kirby, CEO of the Chicago-based airline, expressed his satisfaction with the outcome, stating, “I’m pleased to provide them with an excellent contract that ensures our ability to continue the United Next growth, which is creating promising careers for all of us here at United Airlines,” in a LinkedIn post on Friday.
Pilots at United Airlines are the final group among the three largest U.S. carriers to approve a new contract.
American Airlines’ cockpit crew members endorsed a new agreement in August, while Delta Air Lines’ pilots did so in March. Each of these agreements includes provisions that quickly align pilot pay rates across the airlines.
Flight Attendants Unresolved Contracts
Despite providing airlines with pilot labor stability, American, Southwest Airlines, and United flight attendants are currently engaged in contentious negotiations.
At American Airlines, cabin crew members have even voted to favor a strike if their union, the Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA), fails to reach a mediated agreement with the airline.
Although these new pilot agreements offer substantial benefits to staff, they also contribute to rising costs for airlines when there are increasing uncertainties about the outlook for travel demand.
While American, Delta, and United have not reported any deterioration in their situations, some of their budget-focused competitors, like Breeze Airways, JetBlue Airways, and Spirit Airlines, have encountered challenges.
Notably, the winter season typically experiences the lowest travel demand for major U.S. airlines.
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