Air Transport International (ATI) pilots, represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA), recently ratified a three-year collective bargaining agreement.
Negotiations began in March 2014. Mediated negotiations were scheduled to begin, under the guidance of the National Mediation Board, but were canceled when a deal was reached on Feb. 2.
The agreement includes enhanced travel benefits and scheduling improvements.
It also covers pay raises. Captains will receive between a 41 percent and 51 percent average pay increase while first officers will receive between a 45 percent and 55 percent average pay increases. The amount of the increase will be dependent on years of service. During the three years covered by the agreement, an additional 14 percent in pay raises also will be given.
“Our new contract recognizes the significant contributions our pilots make to the success of ATI, and simultaneously places us in a strategic position to increase ATI’s relationship with our primary customers Amazon and DHL,” Capt. Michael Sterling, chairman of the ATI pilot group, said.
The agreement improves pilots’ quality of life as well as work rules, Sterling said.
ATI is a combination passenger and cargo airline and a charter cargo operation. ALPA represents more than 60,000 pilots in the United States and Canada.