Delta and Northwest pilots ink deal

By Charles Edwards

Atlanta, GA – Today, pilots for Atlanta-based Delta Airlines and Northwest Airlines agreed to operate under one contract if the federal government allows both companies to merge.

Today's agreement comes after both pilot groups inked a tentative deal in June.

Captain Robert Hazzard is a spokesperson for Delta's pilots union.

HAZZARD : The significance of today's announcement is it's the first time in the history of any airline merger that a pilot contract has been agreed to by both pilots groups in advance of the merger.

Even still, today's announcement doesn't end negotiations. Both Delta and Northwest pilots still have to decide how to blend their seniority lists. On average, Delta pilots make more money than Northwest pilots. However, Northwest pilots have more years under their belts. Tenure often decides a pilots' pay, benefits and work schedule.