Pilots at Air Transport International (ATI), a major cargo airline operating within Amazon’s logistics network, have reached a tentative four-year labor agreement with the company after more than five years of negotiations.
The deal, announced by the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), will provide approximately $114 million in value to ATI’s 550 pilots through a combination of pay increases, scheduling improvements and retirement benefits.
ATI operates more than 40 Boeing 767 freighter aircraft, many of which are used to transport packages across the United States for Amazon.
Under the proposed agreement, pilot pay will increase by nearly 22% over the duration of the contract, including an 11% increase in the first year. Pilots will also receive ratification bonuses, higher daily allowances and additional compensation for instructor roles.
The agreement also strengthens retirement benefits. Company contributions will rise from the current 8% to 14% immediately after signing and will increase to 15% in the second year. Additional contributions could be added if certain performance targets are met.
The contract also introduces broader changes to scheduling and vacation policies aimed at improving work-life balance for pilots.
Captain Michael Sterling, chair of the ATI Master Executive Council, said the tentative agreement reflects both the pilots’ importance to the airline and the persistence of the workforce during negotiations.
ATI is a subsidiary of Air Transport Services Group, which is owned by private equity firm Stonepeak.
The agreement must still be ratified by union members. Voting will take place between March 18 and March 31, and if approved the new contract will take effect on April 1.
The airline also performs charter cargo operations and flies passenger Boeing 757 aircraft for the U.S. Department of Defense and other customers.
ATSG said constructive engagement with pilots is essential for maintaining operational stability and ensuring the reliability expected by customers, including Amazon, which remains one of the company’s largest partners.
