Hoping to satisfy employees' demands to close the big gap between their salaries and what counterparts make at Delta and United, American is giving an 8% raise to pilots and a 5% increase to flight attendants.


"As our industry has rapidly evolved and pay increases at other airlines have accelerated, some of our colleagues have fallen behind their peers at other airlines in base pay rates," CEO Doug Parker said in a letter to employees. " ... This doesn't feel right for the new American, and it doesn't feel consistent with our commitment."
The raise should put workers on "levels that are equal to the highest rates currently in place at either Delta or United," Parker said.
The salary increases will cost American (AAL) $230 million for 2017 and $350 million for 2018 and 2019, according to a company filing.