United AirlinesIts pilots’ labor union has reached an agreement to new contract terms. This was the first deal between major carriers since the beginning of the pandemic. This crisis caused chaos in the aviation industry, resulting in a shortage of pilots. training backlog.

Although the Air Line Pilots Association (United) didn’t reveal the details of their deal Friday, they are likely to include higher wages and other benefits.

United had the best relationship of all the major airlines with their pilot unions. They struck deals early to retain pilots and train them during the pandemic.

Scott Kirby, CEO of United Airlines stated in a LinkedIn posting that United Airlines was “the only airline that worked with our pilots union and reached an agreement during COVID.” “It is not surprising that now we are the first airline to receive an Agreement in Principle (for an industry-leading new pilot contract).

The union will still vote on the agreement, and then pilots.

Delta Air Lines, Southwest AirlinesAnd American AirlinesThey are currently in talks with pilot unions. In recent months, pickets were organized to protest the grueling schedules.

The pilot shortage isn’t something United can ignore. Like other airlines, United has been forced to reduce its routes and parks planes due to a lack of pilots who fly with smaller regional carriers.

Friday will be at 1 p.m. ET: Senator Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.) will host a hearing about the future of aviation. It will take place at United Aviate Academy in Goodyear.