American Airlines Increases Its Pilot Offer Contracts To $9 Billion, Extended Sick Leave, And Other Benefits

American Airlines has increased the value of the contract offered to its pilots by over $1 billion to align with a deal reached by its competitor, United Airlines.

On Friday, American Airlines made an official announcement stating that their revised offer would raise the value of the four-year contract to $9 billion. The main goal is to match the pay rates and retroactive pay outlined in the tentative agreement reached by United Airlines earlier this month.

Moreover, the improved deal incorporates enhanced benefits, such as extended sick leave with a bank of 120 hours, along with an accrual of four hours per month and increased life insurance coverage.

Last week, the Allied Pilots Association, which represents American Airlines pilots, issued a warning that the ratification of American’s previous contract offer was at risk following United Airlines’ announcement of a deal with its pilots union in mid-July. The announcement made by United Airlines created uncertainty and potential obstacles in the ratification process of American Airlines’ previous contract offer.

Prior to American Airlines’ revision of its offer to align with United Airlines, United pilots were on track to receive at least 2% more pay than their counterparts at American Airlines. United Airlines pilots were set to receive pay raises totaling a cumulative 34.5% to 40.2% throughout the four-year agreement.

In response to the threat posed by United Airlines’ offer, American Airlines’ revised proposal to the pilots union encompasses several incentives. These include a ratification bonus, an accelerated increase in the 401(k) plan, as well as “medical freedom protections,” along with several other proposals aimed at enhancing the overall benefits and provisions for the pilots.