Pilot representatives of the Air Line Pilots Association, International, the union that represents Delta pilots, and Delta Air Lines management have reached a tentative interim agreement that delays hearings on management’s request to reject the pilot contract through the bankruptcy section 1113(c) process.

The agreement must now be ratified by the pilot body to become effective. The deadline to complete the ratification is no later than December 28, 2005. During the ratification period, both parties will request the bankruptcy court suspend hearings on management’s 1113(c) request.

Delta MEC Chairman, Captain Lee Moak states, “We have always maintained that a consensual agreement was in the best interest of the Company and the pilots. With a lot of hard work and dedication, I believe we have crafted an agreement that contributes to the restructuring plan and recognizes our value to the company.” The tentative agreement includes a 14% wage reduction, an additional 1% pilot cost reduction and the elimination of the post retirement pilot program. If ratified, the union and the company would continue to work toward a comprehensive agreement by March, 2006.

Founded in 1931, ALPA represents 63,000 pilots at 40 airlines in the U.S. and Canada. At Delta ALPA represents approximately 6,500 pilots.

FMI: www.alpa.org