Delta operates 5,000 daily Delta and Delta Connection flights to more than 300 destinations on six continents.
Delta Air Lines pilots focused on contract enforcement and compliance in 2025. The current Pilot Working Agreement took effect in March 2023 and contained more than 200 new provisions. While a majority were implemented on the date of signing, some were phased in to allow Delta time to automate its IT systems to comply with the negotiated improvements. When deadlines were missed, the Delta Master Executive Council (MEC) held the company accountable, filing a record number of grievances to ensure management met its IT commitments and came into compliance with all contractual provisions.
Negotiations for a new agreement will begin in spring 2026. Delta pilot feedback—generated through contract surveys and statistically valid polling—will drive the process. The MEC will use this data to craft a contract opener that reflects the pilot group’s priorities as well as their contributions to Delta’s success.
Pilot hiring is expected to resume in 2026. Delta hired approximately 600 pilots in 2025.
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