The Allied Pilots Union has rejected the offer from American Airlines for its pilots to receive a 19% increase in pay over three stages for the next two years. This in return means the airline will need to reconsider a higher offer to fend off the struggles set out by a global pilot shortage, and increased demand for air travel post-pandemic.

The board decided to reject the 19% off 15-5, with board spokesperson Dennis Tajer commenting:

''American’s management is focused on keeping pay increases as low as possible and has ignored crew-scheduling changes that the union claims will reduce the number of canceled and delayed flights.

Management’s failure to invest in a pilot contract that levels up to meet passenger demand only creates more uncertainty for the holiday travel season and even next summer.''

American Airlines 787 are key to its growth strategy
Photo: American Airlines

Not the only airline facing demands

American Airlines is the home of over 15,000 pilots, and the airline has not yet made any further announcements.

This isn't the first airline to feel the pressure of the demands of its pilots, with rejection from United Airlines close to 10,000 pilots at the offer of 14.5% over 18 months. In a statement released by the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), 94% of the 9,980 United pilots rejected the offer on the table from United.

While Delta pilots voted unanimously to authorize a strike if no deal was reached with the Atlanta-based airline. The last major pay rise at Delta occurred in 2016, and negotiations had begun prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, however as aviation came to a halt during subdued demand, negotiations started again in January this year.

Even Southwest pilots have taken to picketing at their Dallas Love Field Airport, even though Federal Law prohibits this. These pilots stood in the hot sun, the protest included up to 1,300 pilots from the airline, highlighting the overall industry demand for better pay for the current high demand in air travel.

Together, this identifies the pilots of the biggest four airlines in the United States of America, standing firm on their expectations and remediation for their expertise in the industry.

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Americans' ambitious growth plans are at the mercy of its pilots
Photo: American Airlines

Booming growth in aviation

These demands came off the back of continued growth at the big three airlines, with American Airlines recently announcing a range of increased capacity on popular routes among new destinations joining its route map, such as the long-awaited 15-hour Dallas Fort Worth to Auckland, New Zealand flight, and with huge demand, this resulted in a record-breaking third quarter of revenue.

United is also powering full steam ahead with its growth ambitions, offering its largest-ever range of routes down under to Australia. With now six different routes on offer.

Last of the big three, Delta's growth strategy now includes its return to London Gatwick next year, and the introduction of Atlanta to Cape Town and Tel Aviv, along with its exciting Los Angeles to Tahiti.

Sources: Associated Press,

  • American Airlines Tile
    American Airlines
    IATA/ICAO Code:
    AA/AAL
    Airline Type:
    Full Service Carrier
    Hub(s):
    Charlotte Douglas International Airport, Chicago O'Hare International Airport, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, Los Angeles International Airport, Miami International Airport, New York JFK Airport, LaGuardia Airport, Philadelphia International Airport, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport
    Year Founded:
    1926
    Alliance:
    oneworld
    CEO:
    Robert Isom
    Country:
    United States
    Airline Group:
    American Airlines Group
    Region:
    North America
    Loyalty Program:
    AAdvantage