New contract provides American Airlines pilots 17% increases

• American Airlines CEO says company has offered 17% salary rise.
• Company’s plan comes as regional airlines struggle with a pilot shortage.
• Delta’s pilots recently picketed at airports around the U.S. on Thursday.

American Airlines CEO Robert Isom said the company offered its pilots a 17% salary rise under a new contract.

The latest proposal to the Allied Pilots Association comes less than a week after competitor United Airlines and its pilots’ union negotiated a tentative agreement.

United was the first major U.S. airline to reach that point in the crisis, but the union said Thursday it would pause pilot information sessions to assess American’s new pitch.

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Isom said American will make a new offer to its 15,000 pilots once United’s terms were published.

American’s plan comes as regional airlines struggle with a pilot shortage. Travel demand has surged, catching many airlines off-guard, especially during peak periods.

Unions will consider 8.6% inflation in contract discussions.

American’s plan comprises 6% at signing and 5% in 2023 and 2024.

Isom matched United’s pilot pay rates in a video statement Thursday. United pilots earn more, thus their percentage is bigger.

Isom said American is seeking pay hikes for training and reassignment, including for reserve crews. If the pact is ratified before Sept. 30, there are extra incentives, he said.

“A swift settlement will enhance our training programme and growth,” he said.

The APA is examining the idea, according to an American Airlines captain and union spokeswoman.

American and the APA have a tense relationship. The union complained about weariness from hard workloads and other quality of life issues, such as schedule changes.

American pilots protested working conditions and stalled discussions.

Southwest, Alaska, and Delta pilots have also picketed. Delta’s pilots recently picketed at airports around the U.S. on Thursday.

American Airlines’ Envoy Air said pilots might get quadruple compensation for open trips in July.

United’s Air Line Pilots Association will conduct a special meeting next Monday to examine American’s offer to its own preliminary deal, suspending town meetings and other presentations.

“We won’t rush to a decision and will work as a cohesive body,” the union declared Thursday.

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