Pinnacle pilots ratify concessionary contract

Pilots at Pinnacle Airlines have approved a new contract that includes a 9 percent pay cut and seniority concessions, it was announced Tuesday.

The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) said 85 percent of its members voted in favor of the contract, which is designed to help the struggling carrier emerge from bankruptcy.

The contract also increases health care costs and reduces retirement benefits for Pinnacle's most senior pilots.

"I am proud of our pilots for making this difficult decision to preserve the company and to move forward as a group," said Tom Wychor, Pinnacle's ALPA chair. "Now we must work to protect our investment by continuing to provide our passengers with safe, reliable and professional service."

The ratified contract will be submitted to federal bankruptcy court in New York for approval.

Memphis-based Pinnacle is a primary regional carrier for Delta Air Lines and serves the Twin Cities with about 80 departures a day. Pinnacle acquired Eagan-based Mesaba Airlines in 2010.