Spirit Airlines’ pilots ratify the new contract

Spirit Airlines’ (Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood) pilots have ratified a new contract containing substantial pay raises and new work rules, following four years of talks and a June strike. Represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA), 96 percent of the eligible Spirit pilots voted, with 74 percent approving the new agreement.

The new five-year deal goes into effect as soon as it is signed, immediately increasing hourly wages by an average of 10 percent for captains and 18 percent for first officers. In addition, the entire pilot group will receive a substantial signing bonus. The agreement also includes much-needed clarification on existing work rules, puts in writing long-standing operations practices, while providing the company with additional flexibility on scheduling.

Copyright Photo: Brian McDonough. Airbus A320-232 N601NK (msn 4206) approaches Washington (Reagan National) for landing.