Delta Pilots Ratify New Contract

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Pilots at Delta Air Lines Inc. say they have approved a new contract that will bring them raises and also allows the airline to fly more 76-seat regional jets.

Pilots will get raises of almost 13 percent over the life of the contract. It takes effect on Sunday and runs through the end of 2015.

It was approved by 62 percent of voting pilots.

The deal cuts the number of 50-seat regional jets that Delta can hire, but increases the allowed number of 76-seaters.

Negotiations between airlines and pilots are often difficult. But Delta and pilots struck a deal seven months early.

United and American Airlines are also in advanced talks with their pilots. Delta's new contract is likely to become a benchmark for those other negotiations, especially at United.