Comair, Pilots in Tentative Agreement

Delta Air Lines Inc.’s Comair and its 1,350 striking pilots reached a tentative contract agreement Thursday after three days of negotiations with federal mediators, company and union officials said.

Details of the agreement were not released, but pilots have demanded pay and benefits more in line with packages offered by bigger airlines.

The accord was facilitated by Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta.

Cincinnati-based Comair has lost more than $200 million during the 12-week strike. More than 37 aircraft have been returned to their manufacturer, and 2,400 non-pilot workers have been laid off.

The company accepted the agreement, while the union executive committee recommended it to union membership.

“Our negotiating committee and elected leaders endorse this agreement, recommending that our members adopt it because we believe it satisfies the pilots’ fundamental requirements,” said Capt. J.C. Lawson, chairman of the Air Line Pilots Assn. at Comair.

“This is good news for our customers, the communities we serve and our employees,” said Comair President Randy Rademacher.