SEATTLE, Dec. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ — Alaska Airlines and the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) today jointly announced tentative agreement on a proposed five-year contract for the carrier’s nearly 700 aircraft technicians and related employees. The proposed contract includes significant pay increases and added job protection provisions.

“I am very proud of our members’ trust and the serious commitment, diligence, and prompt timing of both the Alaska and AMFA negotiation committees in reaching this agreement,” said Bret Oestreich, AMFA national director. “This agreement was reached only 53 days past the current amendable date, thus indicating the importance of taking care of the people.”

Further details of the contract are being withheld pending a ratification vote by union members, which is expected to be completed by early March. If ratified, the new contract would become amendable in October 2021. The current contract became amendable on Oct. 17, 2016.

“The men and women who maintain our aircraft play a vital role in Alaska’s operation and this contract reflects their expertise, contributions and commitment to safety,” said Kurt Kinder, Alaska Airlines’ vice president of maintenance and engineering. “I want to thank the AMFA membership for their patience during this process and for putting safety above all else.”

AMFA is the largest craft union representing aircraft technicians and related employees and serves members at Alaska and Southwest Airlines. AMFA’s motto is “Safety in the air begins with quality maintenance on the ground.”

In May Alaska Airlines was served with its 15th Diamond Award of Excellence from the FAA in recognition for the company’s dedication to maintenance training. Additionally, earlier this year, a team of Alaska maintenance technicians took first place in the annual Aerospace Maintenance Competition in Dallas.

Alaska Airlines, together with its regional partners, flies 32 million customers a year to more than 110 cities with an average of 970 daily flights throughout the United States, Canada, Costa Rica, Mexico and soon Cuba. With Alaska’s global airline partners, customers can earn and redeem miles to more than 800 destinations worldwide. Onboard, customers are invited to make the most of their flight with amenities like power outlets at every seat, streaming entertainment direct to their device, Wi-Fi and an inspired food and beverage selection featured on most flights. Alaska Airlines ranked “Highest in Customer Satisfaction Among Traditional Carriers in North America” in the J.D. Power North American Airline Satisfaction Study for nine consecutive years from 2008 to 2016. Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan also ranked “Highest in Customer Satisfaction with Airline Loyalty Rewards Programs” in the J.D. Power Airline Loyalty/Rewards Program Satisfaction Report for the last three consecutive years. Alaska Airlines is a subsidiary of Alaska Air Group (NYSE: ALK). Learn more on the airline’s newsroom, blog, alaskaair.com, @AlaskaAir, facebook.com/alaskaairlines and linkedin.com/company/alaska-airlines.