United and pilots negotiating contentious regional flying details

United and its pilots are now negotiating tricky contract terms specifying the number of regional aircraft flying under the United Express banner. But the discussions about so-called "scope" enwrap much more than regional flying. They link to United's widebody fleet and union concerns about how airline joint ventures and ownership stakes affect US pilot jobs. United is the first of the three large US airlines to begin the latest round of contract talks, meaning its deal could set a standard for American Airlines' and Delta Air Lines' next contracts. Delta's pilot contract becomes amendable in December and American's becomes amendable in 2020. The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) intends "over the next few weeks" to negotiate with United items related to pilots' career security and "scope", the union says in a 2 September note to members. "Scope" is industry-speak for contract provisions defining the size of United's regional fleet. Major US airlines, including United, have sought what is commonly called "scope relief", meaning contract changes allowing them to acquire more regional aircraft, particularly larger jets like 76-seat Embraer 175s. But unions, wary of ceding more flying to regional outfits that pay lesser wages, have pushed back and advocated for more mainline expansion. United's pilot contract limits its Express operation to 255 aircraft in the 70- and 76-seat category. It caps the number of 50-seaters at no more than 90% of United's narrowbody jets. That equates to about 500 50-seat aircraft.<br/>