(TULSA, Okla.) – Pilots at charter airline Omni Air International reached a new tentative agreement with the company on February 28. The agreement includes major increases in pay that make Omni’s starting first officer salaries the highest in the U.S. airline industry. The pilots are represented by the Airline Professionals Association Teamsters Local 1224 and have been in negotiations with the company for almost two and a half years.

The contract addresses longstanding concerns about compensation; many Omni pilots operating under the agreement will see their pay more than double during its four-year term. The contract also includes major increases in issues related to travel, lodging and benefits, a major victory for pilots at Omni.

The Omni contract marks the latest victory for the union, which represents pilots at ten U.S.-based passenger and cargo airlines.

“Our union is committed to raising the bar for the piloting craft,” said Teamsters Local 1224 President Daniel C. Wells. “With the OMNI agreement — the latest in a string of contract victories after Allegiant and Kalitta — we have made these companies a respectable place for pilots to work. We are proud of forcing this evolution in the industry. The contract with Omni is the latest hard-fought victory for pilots in our union and throughout the trade. We are proud to be raising standards for America’s professional pilots that support decent, stable jobs for our members and their families, and we are proud to help OMNI attract and retain pilots who will keep the airline safe for its passengers.”

Based in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Omni is the nation’s largest all-passenger charter airline. The company  operates domestic and international flights for corporations, sports teams, government agencies, and the U.S. armed forces, among others.

“A win for pilots is a win for Omni,” said Eric Wainscott, Omni Pilots Executive Council Chairman. “With precedent-setting pay and benefits for Omni pilots, we can attract and keep our best pilots – ensuring that our passengers arrive safely and comfortably at their destinations.”

Omni pilots are expected to vote on the proposed agreement at the end of March. Additional details of the agreement will first be disclosed to and discussed with the 250 Omni pilots who are based across the country.

The Airline Professionals Association Teamsters Local 1224 represents pilots and flight crew members from 10 airlines operating across the country.

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.4 million hardworking men and women throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Visit www.teamster.org for more information. Follow us on Twitter @Teamsters and “like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/teamsters.

 

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