THE executive of Air Line Pilots Association, Int'l (ALPA), has approved a tentative pilot contract reached with FedEx, reports London's Air Cargo News.

The tentative contract agreement, which was reached on May 30, will now go to a membership ratification ballot, which will open on July 5 and close on July 24.

If ratified, the new contract will go into effect in August 2023 and would become amendable in 2028.

"The new agreement would provide major pension improvements with alternative pension options, significant hourly pay rate increases, an amendable period recovery payment, and other improvements to pilots' quality of life," ALPA said.

The agreement includes a 30 per cent pay increase and a 30 per cent increase to the pilots' legacy pension.

"After careful consideration and thorough debate, our union leaders recognized the value this agreement will bring to our pilots and their families," said union chairman Chris Norman. "Now, we shift our focus to ensuring our pilots have the time and resources needed to make an informed decision."