In the wee hours of Monday, December 17, the Pinnacle Airlines Negotiating Committee of the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l, reached a tentative agreement (TA) with Pinnacle Airlines management on a deal that is designed to address the significant financial hurdles that caused the company to file bankruptcy in April 2012 and meet the needs of the pilots.

We appreciate the support of all Pinnacle pilots throughout this year-long ordeal,” said Capt. Tom Wychor, MEC chairman. “Difficult decisions had to be made, but our goal has always been to represent the needs of our pilots.”

The Pinnacle MEC met with the Negotiating Committee in Washington, D.C., today to evaluate the terms of the agreement, and are awaiting final language before they vote. Should the MEC approve the TA, the Pinnacle Strategic Preparedness Committee is scheduling a series of informational road shows prior to a ratification vote.

“Due to the liquidity issues facing our company, we will need to complete all roadshows and balloting on the new agreement by January 15,” Wychor added. “We intend to get all information out to every Pinnacle pilot as soon as possible so that they can begin to process the information on this important future decision.”

Both sides convened in the ALPA D.C. offices Monday, December 10, to begin the round-the-clock bargaining that was necessary to reach an agreement that provides significant cost savings, while at the same time preserving a future for Pinnacle pilots. Senior management from Delta Air Lines also participated in the discussions. Representatives from Delta worked closely with Pinnacle’s management team to facilitate discussions and provide guidance on key questions related to airline fleet and career progression opportunities for the Pinnacle pilots.