American Airlines' pilot union has warned that the ratification of the company's new contract deal is in "jeopardy" as United Airlines has raised the benchmark with its own deal, according to a union memo seen by Reuters. American pilots are due to start voting next week on a new four-year deal that provides for a pay increase of about 42% and other benefits. But the Allied Pilots Association (APA), which represents over 15,000 American pilots, said the proposed pay rates as well as some quality-of-life items in the agreement pale in comparison with those in United's preliminary deal. "Management is fully aware that the proposed UAL (United) deal has now put the ratification of our TA (tentative agreement) in jeopardy," the union said in the memo sent out to American pilots on July 16. It asked the company to further improve the contract to "meet the new industry standards" if it wants to have a deal that can be ratified by the pilots. "Surely AA (American Airlines) management cannot expect our pilots to accept an agreement that puts us behind our contemporaries at other airlines for at least the next four years," the union said. A spokesperson for American Airlines said the company will work with the union to make sure its pilots are taken care of. United's four-year pilot deal offers cumulative pay raises of 34.5% to about 40%. It also includes provisions such as increased sick time, more days off and restrictions on involuntary and some standby assignments as the company seeks to encourage pilots to become junior captains.<br/>
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American Airlines’ flight attendants are set to vote starting late this month on whether to approve a strike against the carrier, a move coming as the airline and union continue battling over a new contract. The Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA) says on 18 July that its board of directors has approved a “strike authorisation” vote among members. The vote will occur between 28 July and 29 August, with results to be released on 30 August, the union says. “If approved, the strike authorisation vote would allow APFA to call a strike, if necessary, once released to self-help by the National Mediation Board,” says the APFA, which represents more than 26,000 American flight attendants. Fort Worth, Texas-based American’s contract with its flight attendants became amendable in 2019. The union and airline have recently been tussling over the terms of a new deal, with the union having organised picketing days this year and last. In March, the APFA and American asked the US National Mediation Board to help steer them toward an agreement. The labour group has said its members at American have not had a pay bump in more than four years. “We look forward to reaching an agreement with APFA quickly so that American’s flight attendants can benefit from a contract that provides them with real and meaningful value,” says American. “We continue to meet regularly and appreciate the National Mediation Board’s recent support as both American and APFA work to reach an agreement.”<br/>
Malaysia Airlines is to take delivery of its first Boeing 737 Max 8 in August – its first new type in more than five years – following the completion of the aircraft’s first test flight. The aircraft (registration 9M-MVA) is the first of 25 737 Max aircraft the airline has order, with deliveries set to run through 2026. Malaysia Airlines did not disclose where the first aircraft will be deployed, and FlightGlobal understands details will be made known following its delivery. The carrier had previously said that its new 737 Max 8s will replace its fleet of older 737-800s one-for-one. It also said it was in the market for 25 additional narrowbodies. Along with its latest announcement, Malaysia Airlines also unveiled a modified livery for the new 737 Max 8s, which sees the ‘wau’ - a kite of Malaysian heritage and the airline’s logo - repositioned on the tailfin. The aircraft cabin products will also be similar to that of its refreshed 737-800s, where it eschews a seat-back entertainment system for a wireless in-flight entertainment system. “[The new 737 Max 8s embody] modernity and Malaysia’s rich heritage through its striking livery design and inviting cabin interior, all aimed at enhancing the overall customer experience,” says the airline. <br/>