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ATA pilots tentatively extend concessions

Associated Press

ATA Airlines and pilots union officials reached a tentative agreement Wednesday to extend wage concessions to help the bankrupt airline stay in business. Union members have yet to vote on the proposal.

ATA announced the tentative deal in a statement e-mailed to media outlets.

Erik Engdahl, who heads the Air Line Pilots Association local representing ATA pilots, confirmed the agreement. He deferred additional comment until today, saying he was trying to get word out to union members.

ATA said the deal would extend for four months the concessions approved by pilots in February. The deal also includes a time frame for negotiations on a long-term agreement, ATA said.

Flight crew members in February voted to approve 120 days of wage reductions and reduced contributions to retirement accounts to help the struggling airline save as much as $12 million.

Indianapolis-based ATA, which is owned by ATA Holdings Corp., filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in October.