Delta's 34% Raise a Likely Benchmark for Other Legacy Carriers
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby believes the recent Delta Air Lines deal will point the way on upcoming pilot contracts, with a rumored 34% cumulative pay bump. The rising tide will likely raise more than Delta pilots' dinghy, especially with so many pilot contracts up for negotiation this year. As airlines begin to catch up postponed contract debates, worsening inflation and a sometimes tenuous fuel supply cast a pall over the process. A recent leak of Delta's offer gives raises that ramp up over the next 4 years, while granting catch-up pay for services rendered while the contract was up for renegotiation through 2020 and 2021.