New York, USA – United Airlines and its pilots have successfully reached a momentous agreement, propelling compensation to new heights with a contract valued at $10 billion. The proposed deal, spanning four years, would provide pilots with pay raises of up to 40 percent.
This contract marks another significant wage victory for pilots in the United States, following a similar agreement approved by Delta Air Lines in March. The substantial pay increases reflect the scarcity of pilots in the country and the robust recovery in air travel demand.
In addition to improved compensation, the agreement encompasses enhanced job security, work rules, vacation entitlements, retirement plans, and various other benefits, as reported in the New York Times.
At major airlines such as United, pilots comfortably earn six-figure salaries. Senior pilots, who typically operate larger aircraft on international routes, can earn several hundred thousand dollars annually.
United Airlines, headquartered in Chicago, expressed that this deal would bolster its “United Next” strategy—a growth plan involving the acquisition of larger planes to increase the number of seats per flight in North America by almost 30 percent and premium seats by 75 percent by 2026.
Scott Kirby, Chief Executive at United Airlines, took to LinkedIn to share his satisfaction with the agreement, stating, “We promised our world-class pilots the industry-leading contract they deserve, and we’re pleased to have reached an agreement.”
Union officials hailed the contract as a significant achievement in the airline industry, representing four years of negotiation and a landmark deal as travel demand rebounds from the severe downturn during the peak of the pandemic.
Captain Garth Thompson, Chairman of the Master Executive Council of the United Air Line Pilots Association International, expressed gratitude for the unwavering dedication demonstrated by United pilots, which played a vital role in achieving this historic agreement.
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The Air Line Pilots Association, the world’s largest airline pilot union, represents 74,000 pilots at 42 airlines in the United States and Canada, including 16,000 pilots at United Airlines.
Now, the union and management will finalize the contract’s precise language. Subsequently, the agreement must be approved through a vote by members of the pilots association, expected to take place within the coming weeks.
In March, according to the New York Times, Delta approved a contract that includes a 34 percent wage increase by 2026, along with enhancements to scheduling, retirement plans, and other benefits. Delta’s deal set a new standard for pilot compensation and benefits.
The pilot shortage emerged as airlines downsized their workforce through buyouts and retirements during the initial stages of the pandemic when air travel was significantly curtailed. However, with the rapid growth in airline flight demand over the past year, carriers have been increasing pilot pay and benefits while recruiting thousands of new pilots to replenish their depleted ranks.
