Delta offering pilots higher wages, benefits sets new airline benchmark

Delta Air Lines Inc.'s offer to give pilots a 34% cumulative pay increase and employee benefit enhancements in a new four-year contract has boosted hopes of similar contracts for pilots at rivals United Airlines and American Airlines, Reuters reports. While Delta's offer still requires the approval of union leaders and then a ratification by its pilots, aviators at United and American told Reuters the Atlanta-based carrier has "raised the bar" with a "very strong" proposal.