American cargo airline Amerijet has agreed to the terms of a brand new bargaining agreement that its pilots ratified on Friday. The event comes after the airline reached a preliminary agreement for a brand new contract last month.
The terms of the contract will reportedly increase the wages of greater than 270 pilots and set latest work rules. Since 2021, Amerijet has worked to grow its fleet with an expanded route network.
Recognizing pilots’ contributions
The airline’s pilots, represented by the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), voted in favor of the brand new Collective Bargaining Agreement. Amerijet’s CEO, Tim Strauss, confirmed the carrier’s leadership team agreeing to the terms.
“I would like to thank the negotiating teams and ALPA for his or her efforts in reaching this agreement that recognizes our pilots’ contributions. The union agreement will provide job security for our pilots and allows us to deal with the longer term with our vision to be the go-to-world-class cargo carrier of selection.”
Contract details
Based on FreightWaves, a preliminary agreement on the three-year contract was reached in May. It then went to union members for ratification, which began on June 2nd. With it being official, Amerijet’s pilots will see a lot of advantages, which can improve their working conditions, including schedules, work rules, and retirement security.
said Amerijet’s Chief Pilot, Mike Meyer.
Photo: Carlos Yudica/Shutterstock
Among the many improvements, pilots will see pay raises near 45%, in accordance with FreightWaves, meaning a captain with 12 years of service on the airline would see their annual pay rate increase to $300,000 from $177,000. ALPA reportedly said union members modified the contract from top to bottom to handle the concerns of the carrier’s 272 pilots.
Captain Tim Millar, Amerijet ALPA Executive Council Chair, explained to FreightWaves. “
Based on ALPA, the contract will come into effect on Monday.
A bigger network means a bigger fleet
With the expansion of its scheduled service and subcontracted flights to Europe and Asia, the Miami-based cargo airline has rapidly grown its fleet in recent times. Currently, it operates a fleet of 24 aircraft, comprised of Boeing 757-200, 767-200, and 767-300 freight variants.
Photo: Amerijet International Airlines
Based on ch-aviation, Amerijet has indicated that it plans to grow its fleet, potentially doubling it over the following five years.
Strauss noted to ch-aviation.
While the carrier acquired six 757-200 freighters last 12 months, Amerijet’s Chief Business Officer indicated that the airline would prioritize receiving the larger 767 freighters in the longer term.