Delta Air Lines announced March 1 that its pilots, represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, ratified a new Pilot Working Agreement. The New York Times reported the new contract will increase wages 34% by 2026, and includes improvements to scheduling, retirement and other benefits, raising the standard for contract negotiations underway at other large U.S. airlines.

Delta Chief of Operations John Laughter said, “From the beginning of the negotiations process, we set out to deliver the industry’s best pilot contract to the industry’s best pilots, one that keeps us as a top destination for U.S. aviation careers, and this contract is a reflection of that unwavering commitment.”

Delta said the news reflects continuing pay and benefits improvements at the company in 2023, following its “meaningful return to profit sharing” and an announcement that ground, scale and merit employees will see pay raises starting April 1.